Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Eighteen months ago my Department published a report detailing the deaths of children in care over the preceding decade. The publication of that report was a direct result of the work done by the Minister, Deputy Shatter, in Opposition when his courageous decision to publish the Tracy Faye report forced the previous Government into action and a transparency it had previously avoided. His time as Opposition spokesperson for children was typified by a commitment to reform, a dedication to change and a capacity for hard work. Those same traits apply to the work he now does as Minister. He has introduced legislation that fundamentally changed the protection of children and vulnerable people in this State. His enactment of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Bill 2012 and the Criminal Justice (Withholding of Information on Offences against Children and Vulnerable Persons) Bill 2012 provided a different architecture to criminal law in preventing and prosecuting abuses of our most vulnerable people.

His commitment to reform is also evident in other areas. The changes he is bringing to the secrecy of family court proceedings will provide transparency and dignity to countless families. His pioneering vision of a reorganised system of family courts reflects the extensive personal experience and expertise he brings to his portfolio and the reforming zeal and commitment he applies to all his work. This work will make a tangible difference to families in their toughest hours by removing the sting of the courts from family law disputes and encouraging a more conciliatory and reflective approach to family dispute resolution. It may take some time but it will change the system so that mothers and fathers will see that they are treated fairly and our courts are subjected to public scrutiny.

Previous Ministers have had opportunities to introduce these reforms but few have bothered. The reason the Minister, Deputy Shatter, bothers is not because of his widely recognised expertise in family law.

He bothers because he cares about the individuals who must navigate the system, how they are treated and how the State delivers for them. There is no better example of his caring attitude towards people who were previously ignored by the State than the citizenship ceremonies he has initiated. While they may appear like a small thing, if the Deputies opposite ever visit one of these ceremonies, they will recognise that they are not a small thing for those participating and in attendance.

We have, in the Minister, a man who is absolutely dedicated to the task facing him, who is eminently qualified and cares about what he does. I fully support the motion of confidence in him. His colleagues and the House have confidence in him. The tabling of the motion by the Fianna Fáil Party is inappropriate and disproportionate. I commend the Government amendment to the House.

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