Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

Is it true that some of these children have been rescued from brothels, in which they have been engaged in the sex industry? How can the Minister of State assert in this House that such children are being provided with the highest standards of care when no controls are in place? The Minister of State himself has admitted that no inspection of such facilities has taken place since 2000. When will an inspection take place? When will Members have sight of the reports that have been collated by the HSE? Does the Minister of State believe it is acceptable that 16 children went missing last year from such hostels during the 11 months for which figures are available? I believe that one child is one too many and the disappearance of a single child constitutes a damning indictment of the existing system.

See this speech in context