Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Martin for the manner in which he has raised this matter. There is nothing more important to this country than the children of the nation. I did not have the opportunity to see all of the programme last night but what I saw shocked me. It was clearly an abuse of the responsibility entrusted by parents to people when they hand over their children to have them looked after while they go about their business. No one who watched that programme could not have been moved by what they saw. It is important to say all child care services around the country are not as was demonstrated in the worst of what I saw yesterday evening.

It is important to say that, from a Government's point of view, we will be happy to work with other parties in terms of co-operation in dealing with the child and family agency Bill. That will be brought before the Government in the next four to five weeks so we will co-operate with all parties to see the passage of that Bill takes place. There is an opportunity for the image, brand and culture that has existed for some time to be smashed by the setting up of the new child and family agency.

It is not just a case of the introduction of a new agency with a new title that ticks the same old boxes; the programme yesterday evening showed what is happening in a number of crèches. God knows what has happened in other locations. Most people in this House have been through this in one form or another with their children. Any parent can understand the circumstances that apply, and can get an impression of the environment and the atmosphere and the responsibility that is evident in child care centres. Clearly, the appointment of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, the children's referendum, the bringing in of the child and family agency and the putting of children's rights on a statutory basis, with the heads of that Bill coming before the Government shortly, are all matters of serious importance in the interests of children. I accept Deputy Martin's offer of support and co-operation in dealing with these two Bills. I am sure Sinn Féin will offer the same co-operation to get this dealt with.

It is also important to understand that the nature of inspections must change. As the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs has pointed out, the emphasis must be on quality and on a much broader spectrum than merely checking the environment that applies to items such as light switches or water or the general facilities. This is about the child and should be child-centred in that sense. Child care is a profession, as is child protection. I do not like to see this referred to as a business, a sector or an industry. Unfortunately for some, that is what it has turned into. We will accept the co-operation of the House to deal with these two Bills when they come before us and we will prioritise them.

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