Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Tóibín. I acknowledge this is an issue he raises frequently in this House. I also acknowledge that we have taken a number of steps to try to improve child protection in this country, such as the referendum we had and the establishment of a dedicated Department and of the stand-alone State agency Tusla. There is a hell of a lot more that needs to be done, however. After the shocking developments of recent hours in relation to Daniel as well as the other cases the Deputy referenced, the Government will wish to engage constructively with the Opposition on what steps can be taken next. I have already outlined to the Deputy the Government’s intention to bring forward legislation around the Child Care Act, which will be looking at the powers of Tusla and how it operates with other State agencies. I will be very eager to engage constructively, as will the Minister, with Opposition parties in that regard.

See this speech in context