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

I also welcome the fact that HIQA is now conducting investigations. It is very important. We have had four reports, one of which unfortunately highlighted vast areas of improvement required in the north-west Dublin area. It is to be welcomed that this has been identified and I hope serious action is being taken in this regard.

Members of the Oireachtas have not had an opportunity to feed into the new child and family agency with regard to the heads of the Bill. In an earlier reply to my colleague, the Minister stated her office will contact us and I welcome this. Is the legal action with regard to the validity of the children's referendum impinging on the Department's ability to bring forward this much promised and important legislation? The original heads of the Children First Bill were published on 25 April 2012, which is almost 12 months ago. There has been an unnecessary delay.

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