Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

I ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to come to this House at the earliest available opportunity so we may discuss this and related child care issues.

This morning, I was pleased to be present when the Ombudsman for Children published her first annual report. She pointed out that some vulnerable children are not covered by the legislation, for example, children who enter Garda stations and unaccompanied minors who seek asylum here. The Ombudsman for Children asks that these groups be covered by legislation. This House has an obligation to take up that call and to ensure that she is given the powers she needs in order to protect all children and, in particular, children who otherwise will not have a voice, champion or advocate.