Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I should have said that 19 children had died of unnatural causes. It is clear from the report that complex social issues are involved such as family circumstances, the pressures on young people from drink or drugs, their background and the question of mental health. The Deputy referred to resources being made available. That is obviously important, but it is also important to point out that many of the children in question were the focus of attention for multiple agencies. It is not just a question of resources; it is also a question of providing an effective response for the taxpayer's money through the facilities made available under whatever agency for children. The Government in its own way will reflect on the budget. The Minister will have the new child protection agency in operation from 1 January next and, clearly, the Government will make its own decisions about the resources that will be made available. I stress, however, that we will not set up an agency which will not be effective in carrying out its responsibilities. Clearly, from reading the report, multiple agencies were involved in the past and children, unfortunately, were not the recipients of the care and attention they should have received in all these circumstances. It is an issue that we will be happy to debate in the House or at a committee whenever it is appropriate to do so. This is something that we really want to get right. In so far as the State can change its way and structures and oversee through the child protection agency the work, care and love that it will be necessary to give to children in order that they have a life, we will do whatever it is possible to do. This report brings clarity and reality to a very long and sad saga. It is the duty and responsibility of us all to ensure we take a different direction - a direction for the better - for all children in the future. The Deputy's comments and his party's contribution to that will be as welcome as anybody else's.

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