Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)

Jesus, you are fierce cranky, there is no doubt. Many people are unhappy about the lack of protection for children from sex abusers. Today, it emerged there are fears about an abuser who may be in the jurisdiction and the fact there is not a proper register here to protect children. Under the North-South Ministerial Council, recommendations were made for legislation to be produced for a register of persons considered unsafe to work with children. I have no doubt everybody would feel a lot happier if that register were in place. Will the Minister acknowledge we need this legislation? It is not acceptable to read, "Publication expected — not possible to indicate at this stage". Surely this is a priority. We have heard lots of talk from the Government about protection of children from sex abuse. There is talk of a constitutional referendum.

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