Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)

I welcome the fact that some of the facilities will be in place by 2010. St. Patrick's Institution, as it is at present, is not suitable for children and is in breach of the most fundamental principles of child protection. That was recognised ten years ago or more and it is one of the scandals that we, as a society, have not dealt with this properly and speedily. At this stage that facility should be fully closed. However, a delay of three years is understandable, because obviously a building has to be constructed, fitted out etc. The quicker the better, and that is the purpose of the amendment.

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