Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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I thank Ms Lambe for that. It is important to note that the committee is also looking at the issue of social workers - in a very broad manner - in how they interact with children. Unfortunately, it is a very big issue, as a report of this committee will find in the very near future.

Prior to opening up to the other members - who will, I am sure, want to ask a number of questions - I have some questions for both of the witnesses. I shall pick up on two points made by Mr. Allen. The witness said that legislation would have to be changed, and he heavily referenced the Ombudsman's report. What legislation would Mr. Allen amend and what would the amendments be? Mr. Allen referred to the production of information for the public to digest around homeless numbers and men, women and children in unsuitable accommodations. I am paraphrasing Mr. Allen when he took issue with the Department only producing numbers and the inference that the reports miss the individuals in question. How would Mr. Allen come to that conclusion and, more important, what measure does he believe would be more appropriate for the Department to produce in order to inform the public of the position, specifically around children in unsuitable accommodations or in homelessness and their parents? Perhaps Mr. Allen could address those two questions to get us started and then we will open up the discussion to others.