Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister is really the last hope in this as it is quite clear institutions have no ability to self-reflect. We knew this from the Garda and health service. We know it now about Tusla and the Health Service Executive. The Minister is the last stop in town, as it were, so what she sets up must be implemented. From the report I can see a high level of cases where a social worker has not been appointed. Yesterday I was told there is no social worker for south Connemara and I am checking that out as I do not know if it is true. If this is the 21st century and there are no social workers being appointed to cases, leaving aside governance matters and the failure of self-reflection and to learn from mistakes, we are in serious trouble with child protection.

Going back to my first question, the young woman was courageous enough to come forward but she could be left with a feeling that has her wondering why she came forward because nothing is happening. That is the message coming across from the panel. Will the Minister communicate with them so that confidence can be restored?

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