Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I wish to finish out that point. There is an additional issue that the Ombudsman raises.

It seems that concerns are not being passed on by the HSE or HIQA to the Ombudsman where there are matters to be investigated. In addition to the specifics that played out on our television screens, that is an issue the Minister might address as might the Minister for Health, Deputy Leo Varadkar. To return to the theme of the Childline night service, I am aware he replied to Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl earlier, the Minister seems to be unaware that the ISPCC has been in correspondence with the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy James Reilly, and has alerted him to the fact that it requires a further €870,000 to retain the service. All of us, I hope, would be of a mind that those moneys must be provided for that service. Will the Minister confirm that is also his view?

In respect of the consolidated domestic violence legislation that has been promised for some time and which we await, on one of the Friday sittings we introduced a modest amendment to the current domestic violence legislation but the Government voted it down on the basis that a more comprehensive package is required. I agree comprehensive reform is necessary but we are waiting a very long time. I have correspondence from Deputy Alan Shatter who was the responsible Minister at the time stating that he was very sorry about the delay but that he had more important things to attend to, as set out by the troika. I hope with his exit from the office that level of prioritisation has changed.

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