Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It must be evident to the Minister and to all concerned that the legislation to which she refers has been in place yet some of the instances of inequality and discrimination are more contemporary than the legislation's passage. It has not actually made the critical difference.

It is important that in the functions of this new agency we emphasise and lay down a clear marker and indicator that the elected voices of the people of the State will not tolerate inequality and discrimination in relation to children in any circumstances across society. The legislation the Minister cites affirms that, but in relation to this agency, and, specifically, now that there is no question as to the weakened confidence in society on the State's position vis-à-vis children and the question of children at risk, there needs to be an absolute statement clearly outlining the importance in the view of these Houses that equality and non-discrimination will be cornerstones of the new agency's approach to dealing with children henceforth. It is in the Minister's and her Department's interest to ensure that such is affirmed strongly and clearly in this legislation. I believe that there is a public demand for that and that such is the least response that we could offer at this point in time, given all that has happened over recent months.

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