Feargal Quinn (Independent)

She is obviously an expert in this area and had far more to say than I had intended to say.

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I want to make two points. The fact that the work has not been done on time should not discourage us in the future from ensuring time limits are put in place. There is a danger that if we do not impose time limits the period for the work will extend. I support the measure but we should not be discouraged by that aspect.

When Senator Healy Eames asked what was in place now my attention was drawn to the scandal of the non-availability of social services to children outside normal business hours. I am aware of some cases where gardaí found instances of abuse, took the children into care but had nowhere to place them after hours because the social services close at either 5 p.m. or 5.30 p.m. on week days and are not available at weekends. The only place they can keep those children to protect them is in the local garda station. That is not right. I use this opportunity to encourage the Minister to determine what can be done to avoid the scandal of the non-availability of social services for children suffering abuse after business hours and at weekends.

Senator Norris asked me to raise another point although I am not sure I understood it entirely. He is of the impression that Church of Ireland institutions were not included in these areas. I am not sure if that is the case, and I do not know if he was clear on it either, but he asked me to ask the Minister to ensure that Church of Ireland institutions are included in these areas. I thank Senator Healy Eames for sharing her time and allowing me make those two points. I appreciate the opportunity to do so.