Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I join the Deputy in saying that the referendum proposal will require a full effort from everybody in the House who supports our membership of the EU and its development to make sure that the issue at stake is the one that dominates the campaign. It is clear that the reform treaty being signed this morning is in many respects a modernisation of the institutional arrangements, which is necessary for the enlarged Union. Bearing in mind the importance of our continued membership of the Union and our positive disposition towards the Union and its achievements, I hope we will be able to conduct the debate in a positive spirit for the benefit of all citizens. In the globalised world in which we live, we need to work with our partners in developing domestic policies and dealing with global challenges such as the environment. The European Union is a leader in all of these areas and we need to be part of that and of the policy formulation that emanates from it in the coming years.

The Cabinet will consider the timing of the referendum early in the new year. The Taoiseach has indicated that the referendum will take place during the course of next year. All parties can take it that they can make their respective preparations and institute cross-party efforts to put forward a positive view of the question being put to the people. I agree that it is important to avoid complacency.

In the matter of an exemption from water charges for schools, I am not au fait with the details of this issue. A question to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government may produce a more accurate response in terms of the information provided by the Environment Directorate-General. I am not aware of the specifics.

I agree profoundly with the Deputy that the recent reports of abuse in an institution for children with intellectual disabilities are appalling. The abuse, which took place over a period of more than 30 years from 1965 to 1998 must be condemned outright. The Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Devins, has indicated that as a matter of priority he will work with HIQA, the newly established quality authority, to apply standards for and monitoring of health facilities throughout the country and implement basic service level agreements with providers. There is also the question of the introduction of rudimentary inspections such as spot-checks. We will do whatever is required to instil confidence in the public that this issue will be dealt with progressively and in a way that is consistent with the mandate given to HIQA. I share with other Members of the House the outrage at the appalling treatment of those children who were in care and the serious abuse of trust that took place.

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