Larry Butler (Fianna Fail)

I compliment the Minister of State on bringing forward this very important and required Bill. He cannot be accused of not being forward-looking in terms of youth matters given what he has done in a short period of time. Our commitment to child care is what is most important. We must ensure our young people are well educated and well looked after because that will serve them well going forward.

It is important to bear in mind that we have done much. I will not criticise anything Senator Cannon said and take it in good faith that he meant exactly what he said. This Government has invested hugely in child focused activities, including sports activities, pre-education activities and playgrounds. The amount of investment in child care and in our young people over the past ten or 12 years is evident throughout the country. That will serve us well going forward. I am not saying more money cannot be spent, of course it can be. However, how one spends the money and how one legislates for young people going forward are what the Minister of State must keep at the top of his agenda.

I have spent much time with young people in the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown constituency at a number of levels, including health care and education levels. We should focus very much on community efforts.

The free pre-school year will make a significant difference to many children before they go to school. However, there is not enough flexibility in that scheme. I have made representations to the Minister of State in regard to a child who exceeds the age limit for the scheme by four days and who has been turned down. The Department said there was flexibility in the scheme but where is the flexibility? We get complaints about these issues.

The scheme is a fantastic one which will do much for young people but this young person will be left out of the scheme as a result of exceeding the age limit by four days. I know there must be a cut off date but it is important to bear in mind that flexibility is required. This young person will start school in September and would not avail of the full year. I ask the Minister of State to examine that situation.

He has outlined the importance of the Bill in ensuring strong legislation which will deal with any possible cases of child abuse or parents who are not living up to their commitment to what they should do in terms of ensuring that the child comes first. We in the Seanad must ensure this type of legislation is fairly sound. The Minister of State will find we support the Bill in general. While small aspects of any Bill can be criticised this Bill is good. In his preamble to the debate the Minister of State clarified and outlined how the Bill will work efficiently. Special care for a child who has a problem is the most important part of the Bill, which will deal with such a situation. That is very important. The protection of the child is paramount, which the Bill addresses. The Minster of State covered everything I would ask or look for in terms of the protection of children. I commend the Bill to the House.