Mary White (Fianna Fail)

Like my colleagues, I call on the Leader to invite the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Mary Harney, to come in and explain the difficulties faced by the Ombudsman for Children, Ms Emily Logan, which led to her suspending her investigation into the HSE's handling of the child protection audit of Catholic Church dioceses. The HSE should be absolutely transparent as a public body and should be forced to co-operate fully with the Ombudsman's investigation.

I tremble when I think of the words of Archbishop Martin a few months ago when he said over the summer we would hear of thousands of cases of abuse of children in the diocese of Dublin. I dread the thought of what is coming. As I have said many times in this House, the 1916 Proclamation, which was read in Arbour Hill recently, has the sentiment that we cherish all the children of our State equally and I am afraid we are not doing that.

When the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Barry Andrews, was here to discuss the Adoption Bill he was exemplary in his understanding and comprehension of the legislation. I remember my colleagues on the other side of the House praised him for his dedication and understanding. It is critical we get to grips with the situation regarding adoptions in Russia and Vietnam. When I spoke on the Bill I said we must have compassion for the parents who are waiting to adopt children and for the children who are aching to be brought into a loving family.

Senator Fitzgerald also raised the issue of child care. The new scheme of universal access to preschool education for children aged between three years and three months and four and a half years is revolutionary. It is precisely what I have been urging since I issued my proposals on a new approach to child care. The detail will be worked out in the coming months. If the per capita allocation of €64.50 per week is inadequate, there is no reason the Government cannot increase it to €75. However, individual crèches should not be allowed to charge additional fees. That will only lead to a situation where some facilities become exclusive because they are unaffordable for many. Every child must have equal status in every community and private crèche.