Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)

Again, I acknowledge this is a significant step forward in terms of cases that were closed during the lockdowns caused by Covid. It is important to say there are many reasons for a case being closed. Oftentimes, we regard that as a real positive and then on other occasions a case can open again. It is important also to say many of these cases may well be to do with child welfare as distinct from child protection issues, and we need to be cognisant of that. This will be a very worthwhile well-being check.

I referenced it earlier, but tomorrow I will be chairing a meeting of the children first interdepartmental group. That includes Departments that have various engagements with children at different times. We will be specifically seeking methods and means to ensure we can identify ways of enhancing check-ins on young children right across the system on an ongoing basis.

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