Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

Everybody agrees that the report published yesterday on the deaths of children in care is harrowing. It is worth reading some of the statistics. The report provides details of 196 children who died between 2000 and 2010 by natural and unnatural causes. They include children who were in the care of the State at the time of death, young adults in aftercare and other children who were not in care of the State but who were known to the HSE. A total of 84 of the children and young adults assessed in the report died by natural causes. Some 112 of the children and young adults in care, aftercare or not in care but known to the HSE assessed in the report died by unnatural causes. Of these, 17 were in care, 27 in aftercare and 68 were not in care but known to HSE family services. Five died in house fires, four by accidental drowning, 17 in road accidents, 16 were unlawfully killed and, at least, 28 died by suicide.

I acknowledge the fact that the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs ensured the report was published in its entirety and without redaction. I also acknowledge the foresight shown by the former Minister of State Barry Andrews in commissioning the report. The Minister and the former Minister of State showed huge courage in the face of enormous system resistance to ensure its publication. Mr. Geoffrey Shannon and Ms Nora Gibbons have done a heroic job in shining a light on a very dark chapter in Irish life.

The report challenges us as a society. We need to look hard at how children are not only protected by the State which obviously has a very important role to play, but also by families and communities. The report comments on our attitude to alcohol and how children are exposed to it. These are uncomfortable habits that we need to confront. It is important that there be all-party agreement in dealing with the recommendations made. I know the Minister is meeting the all-party committee later. The introduction of a 24 hour social work system needs to be discussed and agreement sought on it as soon as possible. That files on children in care or under the watch of the HSE are either unavailable or missing is so wrong. The computerisation process needs to be speeded up. We need to continue to ensure the social work system and the social worker service are exempt from the moratorium.

The Proclamation states the children of the nation should be cherished. As we know from the report, there are provisions in Bunreacht na h-Éireann that have been identified as presenting a difficulty. Will the Tánaiste outline the legislative timetable for the holding of the referendum on children's rights? Will he confirm that it will be a stand-alone referendum, given the complexity of the issues involved?

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