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

I appreciate that but the kernel of the issue is that we can bring forward every piece of legislation we like but if it is not matched with the necessary resources, it will not be good enough. The proof of the pudding is in the statistics I have highlighted. The Taoiseach is right that we do not want to be intervening at a late stage. We must intervene and prevent problems from happening. That is why we should support institutions and services such as the family resource centres.

On the amendment from the Seanad, I compliment Senator van Turnhout on her work and the Minister on taking it on board. It comes about as a direct consequence of the requirement in an EU directive that we ban the reasonable chastisement of children. That is right and proper. We must acknowledge that there are parents who need support over and above other parents. We must put in place positive parenting programmes to support parents who find it difficult to bring up their children. It cannot always be about punishment. It also has to be about supporting parents to do the job. As the Taoiseach and the Minister said and as I agree, in 99% of cases, the best place for a child is in his or her home. Some homes need more support than others and it is our responsibility to put those supports in place. I support the passing of the legislation through the Oireachtas today.

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