Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senators for their attention this afternoon. I note there were no contributions made and there was a broad welcome for these amendments in the other House.

I welcome the enactment of this legislation. It means the Children Act 2001 will have been concluded and implemented within the lifetime of the Government. It required some amendments. It required administrative changes such as the establishment of the Youth Justice Service. I am glad that not alone has there been legal commencement of the extensive 2001 Act — since 1 March last most of the legal provisions in that Act have been commenced — but with the enactment of this legislation the final outstanding provisions will be commenced.

The Government, by a decision a fortnight ago, has also allocated the necessary resources, in terms of the engagement of additional District Court judges and additional probation staff, to ensure the provisions of the Act are implemented.

I thank Senators for their attention to this and for their attention and interest in children issues during the life of this Seanad.