Liam Fitzgerald (Fianna Fail)

Is mian liom fáilte a chuir roimh an Aire Stáit ag an Roinn Sláinte agus Leanaí. I am delighted that the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Callely, is present to listen to the statements of Senators in this debate. This important area is close and dear to where he is coming from as a Minister of State. The views he has articulated since his appointment as Minister of State represent a clear demonstration of the commitment he brings to the care of children. I commend him for that. I am aware of the work he has done in relation to the care of the aged.

This debate relates to the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse and the related issues that pertain to it. I am delighted to have the opportunity to add to this series of statements, having followed the Dáil debate on this topic last week. I confess that I was quite confused, muddled, amazed and puzzled, to put it at its mildest, by some of the contributions that were made by prominent and eminent Members of the other House. I expect Opposition parties to oppose. By definition, the Opposition's duty is to oppose the Government to make it more efficient and better.