Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)

I agree with the Deputy. I also want to reflect the work of the Law Reform Commission report in this regard. I hear what the Deputy is saying with regard to policy. Of course, the policy analysis is to bring us to the legislative path, because that has to be agreed across the different Departments with regard to that. It is also important to note, though I know the Deputy is already aware, that while legislation is important, it is everybody's business to do this correctly in the meantime. It is everybody's responsibility.

Driving a proactive and open culture of safeguarding is also a key focus of the policy, though I accept what the Deputy has said with regard to legislation. It is important to consider and acknowledge the role of the newly appointed chief social worker in the HSE. It is a newly created position and a person was appointed last year. It is a significant appointment. Similar to the chief nursing officer, these are important cultural signs about the importance of those roles and the functions they carry out. However, I agree with the Deputy in respect of legislation.

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