Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

It relates to the holding of a referendum on children's rights, which emanated directly from the Sullivan report. If the Ceann Comhairle has a difficulty with that, I am sure I could probably be of assistance to him.

What stage has the work of the Minister of State with responsibility for children, Deputy Barry Andrews, reached? Does the Taoiseach envisage that the process involving the Minister of State to which I refer will be concluded before the House rises for the summer recess? The latter will have a bearing on whether it will be possible to hold a referendum on children's rights this year. I hope it will be possible to hold such a referendum.

What is the current position with regard to vetting people who work with children? It appears the HSE has placed some children with certain foster parents who have not been vetted. That is intolerable, particularly when one considers what could happen. Will the Taoiseach comment on that matter?

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