Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The lack of progress, in particular with regard to the Children First legislation, leaves children vulnerable. Only yesterday a report in The Irish Times cited a 20% increase in the number of care orders in the past year. There is a concern that the absence of the Children First legislation means we do not have a proper framework for reporting with regard to child protection. The Minister stated with regard to the Children First Bill that NGOs and experts are being consulted. Will Members of the Oireachtas be consulted before the revised heads of the Bill are published? I would like to think we will.

I welcome that Norah Gibbons has been appointed to the child and family support agency. She is very well suited and has renowned skills in the area and this is not to be questioned. However, it seems unreasonable to appoint a chairperson to a board for which legislation has not yet been formed. Why is the word "support" being dropped from the agency's title? I understand it will now be known as the child and family agency. Is this because the emphasis will not be on family support?

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