Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)

I recognise that it is a whole-of-house determination to do right here and, where we can improve things and make things better, that we would absolutely do that. The first step for us, of course, is the well-being check in terms of specifically having eyes on children where cases were closed during Covid. I will be led by the steering group on the timeline for that. I will respect its independence in terms of that, but I would be hopeful that we are talking about just a matter of months in that regard. Again, however, I will not be dictating to it. I will allow the work to take place, but I would like it to be done in the tightest timeframe possible. I want it to be a full body of work as well, but that we would speak of months rather than anything else.

I will provide briefings and so forth on the childcare amendment Bill. It is an ideal opportunity now for us now to tighten up where we need to from a legislative point of view. That will include the national review panel and strengthening the child protection legal framework and the powers Tusla has available to it.

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