Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

It is an unfortunate term Deputy Finian McGrath used at the end of his question. I am aware of the numbers of children who have died in State care. This was a matter that I, as Leader of the Opposition, raised on a number of occasions with the previous Minister for Health and Children, the Minister of State with responsibility for children and youth affairs and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. That is why one of the decisions taken by the Government was to appoint a full Cabinet position dealing with children and youth affairs. The Deputy can take it that the Minister for Children will report to the House in respect of this matter after consultation with the Minister for Health and the Minister for Justice and Law Reform.

There is no disagreement between the Deputy and me in respect of the impact of suicide on families. It does not affect only persons from more disadvantaged areas of society. Those who live in so-called affluent areas are also subject to the tragic phenomenon of suicide. The Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, is dealing directly with that as a part of her mental health portfolio as a central issue as part of a health programme. This is one of her priorities.

I do not have the details of the 27 cases Deputy Finian McGrath mentions. Having raised it previously, I am aware of it. I would be happy to supply him with a full Government response in the context of what the new Minister will propose to do.

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