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

Unfortunately, we once again find ourselves discussing a report on the welfare of children and the inadequacy of the HSE's response. The most recent report cited cases in which up to 30 referrals had been made before the HSE took action. Is the Minister satisfied that a report that was finalised and given to the HSE in April 2012 took 14 months to be published? What happened to the promise of openness and transparency? Anyone listening to "Morning Ireland" yesterday would have had his or her confidence shattered. After five minutes of repeated questioning, a national specialist was unable to give an explanation for the delay in the report's publication.

Why was the report's publication delayed? When was the Minister made aware of the report's findings? I have continually raised the issue of the number of social workers, but the Minister has always maintained that she was satisfied with current levels. Given Ms Catherine Ghent's statement on RTE news yesterday that 17 social workers were looking after 670 cases, does the Minister remain satisfied?

The neglect of children continues to be a major concern despite being a common feature of previous reports, in particular the child death report. Have we learned nothing from these reports? What does it take for neglect to be recognised? HSE reports that clearly do not convey the severity of situations - words such as "dirty" and "unhygienic" do not adequately describe children with lice-ridden hair, beds saturated in urine, dog excrement on living room floors and mouldy food adhered to kitchen counters - are not good enough. It is a sickening and disgusting practice for a modern, progressive society. What immediate actions will the Minister take to renew confidence in a system that clearly continues to be deficient?

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