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

On legislation in the area of children, the Taoiseach said before that this was the most reforming Government in the area of child welfare. I want to ask about two pieces of legislation, first the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012. That was enacted by both Houses of the Oireachtas over 12 or 18 months ago. When will the commencement order be signed? Second, the Children First legislation, which will give effect to mandatory reporting of child abuse was originally promised three and a half years ago. We debated Second Stage early last year, a much watered-down Second Stage, I may add, where there are no sanctions for people who fail to comply with the legislation. When will the remaining Stages of that legislation come before the House, so that we on this side of the House will be afforded the opportunity to put forward the necessary amendments to ensure the legislation is fit for purpose?

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