Brian Walsh (Galway West, Fine Gael)

In respect of promised legislation, I welcome the Taoiseach's announcement this morning that the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs intends to introduce legislation to deal with the recommendations arising from the recently announced Children First protection guidelines. The Taoiseach will be aware of the recent horrific case that came before Galway Circuit Criminal Court, in which the horrific abuse perpetrated by a mother on her eight children was detailed. The Taoiseach also may be aware that the mother and those eight children came from the Traveller community. It is my view - my belief - that abuse would not have gone unnoticed and would not have continued without adequate intervention by the State if those children had come from the settled community. My question, in relation to the proposed legislation, is when the Taoiseach expects it to come before the House. The Minister has also initiated an investigation into the adequacy of the State's response.

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