Dan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)

The Tánaiste said it was unlikely any Member would have made a statement identifying the loophole in question and seeking to correct it. Is that not precisely what her colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, did as a Progressive Democrats Deputy when he wrote an article for the Sunday Independent in 1995? The Tánaiste was leader of the Progressive Democrats then. Did she read the article? Did she talk to Deputy McDowell about his comments? Did she ask him to progress his reservations? The record of the House must show who knew what and when. I reiterate my call for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to make a statement to the House to clarify these matters.

There is need for a wider debate on the issue of child welfare and this Government's collective policies on it. The Government has put aside many millions of euro to establish an Office of the Minister for Children, yet several sections of the Children's Act are still not enforced. There must be an explanation to the House as to why many sections of this important legislation are still not enacted.

The register of persons unsafe to work with children Bill has been on the Order Paper for the lifetime of the 29th Dáil. The Government has used the excuse that the Bill cannot proceed because it is an all-island measure. However, similar legislation has been enacted and enforced in Northern Ireland. This is another question the Government must answer.

Why today of all days do we not have the hectoring presence of her party colleague on the front bench? On any other day, he would be in the Chamber pointing his finger, making accusations and asking this side of the House to account for itself. Of all days, this is a day when his presence is needed.

See this speech in context