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

I thank the Tánaiste for his reply. We cannot go back to the days of see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil. All of us have a responsibility and we do not want to see these cases being used as a deterrent to protecting children. At the same time, however, we have to prevent over intrusion into family lives. The right balance has to be achieved. One lesson that can be learned is that the Government needs to publish the legislation to provide for proper processes and procedures in dealing with child protection issues. This legislation was promised more than two years ago. Professionals working in the health services and child protection, as well as gardaí, are operating in a legislative vacuum and the Children First guidelines need to be put on a legislative basis and backed up in law. This legislation is overdue and it is an essential part of ensuring robust child protection structures. Can the Tánaiste give us a clear timeframe as to when the legislation will come before the House? In regard to the reports that are to be prepared, can he explain why the Garda report is internal rather than independent and indicate whether they will be given to the families concerned in addition to the Ombudsman once they have been completed?

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