Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

In the history of the State - we celebrated the centenary of 1916 last year - our most grievous failing has been in the protection of children. That is why, in Government together, we looked at issues such as constitutional change, a Department for children and a Minister dedicated to children. All of those tasks were done, but have they brought about this cultural change we are talking about that will deliver meaningful protection for every child?

I welcome what the Taoiseach has said in terms of him taking the initiative to talk to everybody. We need now to have that conversation here so that we have constant reporting, not only when issues arise and because we have asked the rapporteur or some agency to tell us about it. We should have constant reviews and discussions about how we implement all of these changes that we brought about. In many ways, changing the law, establishing a Department and even changing the Constitution is the easy bit.

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