Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

Clearly, the priority is to protect children and keep them safe. That is precisely what we are doing by working for consistency, looking at referrals around the country and ensuring there is an adequate response to them. In addition, we are putting in place legislation and an implementation plan, which is what the handbook is offering. That is how to keep children safe, by responding to cases that are currently coming to social work teams throughout the country, and having a consistent approach to managing those cases.

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