Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

The Minister of State who was appointed only last May said: "I became acutely aware that communication difficulties, deficits in information and the absence of standardised procedures can impede service responsiveness with potentially serious consequences for some children." Why did none of his predecessors discover that was a problem? How long will it take to put that right?

I greatly regret that this House will divide on this motion and that we have terms of reference that are widely acknowledged to be inadequate. The independent chairperson — she is independent, unlike two of the other people appointed — has said that if the terms of reference do not work out, then she will have them extended. We should have terms of reference that are so comprehensive that the group appointed to conduct this investigation is able to cover all areas and know its remit from the start, and not be inhibited in the work it does. If need be, the group should be able to subpoena people to attend before it to give evidence so that we can ensure the full story of this is known.

That will not happen. The sad reality is that whatever report is produced by this group, there will inevitably be a need for a further investigation. It is unfair to the family and the children involved. It is unfair to children across the country who may be at risk tonight. It is unfair to the general public and it is contrary to the public interest that we have two forms of investigation that go on endlessly.

I urge the Minister to change his mind, to accept the motion before the House and let the commission of investigation proposed by Fine Gael be formulated, so that it can get on with its work.

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