James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

Turning to the Minister of State's response, the bottom line is that there are 400 children who remain in institutions that are not subject to any inspection. The Minister of State has been asked when this glaring deficit will be corrected because, statistically, these children are three to seven times more likely to suffer abuse, given the nature of their disabilities and their inability to report. I again ask the Minister of State when HIQA standards will be brought in and it is empowered to inspect and protect these children. We have a duty to them because they are the most vulnerable children in our society. The standards need to be introduced as soon as possible. If we can stay here all night and pass laws in relation to banks and guillotine health Bills to take the medical card off the over-70s, surely we can address this issue before Christmas and ensure the safety of these children.

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