Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

As a former member of the committee dealing with children's rights chaired by Deputy O'Rourke, I wish to ask about issues which have already been raised, but which are important. The vetting legislation on the legislative list has already been referred to. It was said that it is now expected to be published some time in 2011. The Oireachtas joint committee published a report in September 2008, unanimously recommending that the legislation be published by December 2008. Why is legislation on a mayor for Dublin being given priority over protecting children from child abuse? Is it the case that the Government is happy to pay lip service to child protection but is incapable of prioritising the legislative changes necessary to ensure children are truly protected?

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