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

Two weeks ago, during the debate on child abuse by the IRA, the Taoiseach referred to three legislative items in support of his exaggerated claim that this Government has been the most reforming Government in the area of child welfare and protection. When will the commencement order for the National Vetting Bureau (Children's and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012, which he mentioned on that occasion, be signed? Over 12 months have passed since that Act was passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas, but we are still waiting for the commencement order to be signed. The result of the children's rights referendum, which was also mentioned by the Taoiseach, is still being tied up, two years on, as a direct consequence of the Government's actions in publishing material advocating a "Yes" vote in that poll. Can the Government indicate when the result of the children's rights referendum will be adjudicated on by the Supreme Court? When will the Oireachtas be able to put forward the necessary legislation thereafter? The Children First Bill was promised by this Government when it took office but it was not published for a further three and a half years. The Bill that was debated on Second Stage earlier this year is a much watered-down version of what was originally promised. It contains no sanctions for people who fail to report child abuse.

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