Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)

I thank the Minister for her reply. Like Deputy Ó Caoláin, I welcome the establishment of this new Ministry dedicated to children. The issue of missing children is probably central to its work.

In a reply to a previous question, the Minister referred to having the interests of children at heart. Everyone is aware that in the case of a missing child, the first 24 hours are vital. The family of Madeleine McCann obtained a high profile in respect of that matter. Thousands of children go missing each day. Significant numbers of unaccompanied minors, particularly those from other jurisdictions, go missing in this country. Do I take it that the Minister is actively seeking the necessary resources to allow this missing children hotline to be put into operation in the near future?

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