David Norris (Independent)

It was probably before the junior Senator's time, but I remember the event. The amendment deals with the kind of accommodation. It is an excellent amendment which goes directly to the heart of what the provision should be. I hope the Minister of State will give careful consideration to these necessary functions. The amendment calls for a room for each child; adequate and suitable furniture; a sufficient number of lavatories, wash basins, baths and showers; adequate facilities for laundry; adequate light, heat and ventilation; sufficiently clean premises, appropriately decorated and maintained in good structural order; adequate recreational facilities; and an appropriate and adequate level of security. It also states the accommodation provided by the executive should be appropriate to the age and support needs of the child who is homeless and that the executive should further seek to provide a child who is homeless with appropriate long-term accommodation and care. You see, a Leas-Chathaoirligh, I have managed to slip the wording of the amendment into the record. This is a worthy amendment. It neuters this House if it can call for a report but cannot deal with the nuts and bolts of it.

While we have not been able to have a detailed discussion of amendment No. 3, we have been permitted in debating section 5 to deal with some of the issues it raises. By that fashion, we have laid the issues before the Minister of State. With goodwill and despite the fact that the amendment was, technically, ruled out of order, I am sure he will give it some consideration.

I bear in mind the serious situation in which the country finds itself. We had a major debate this morning on the critical financial situation facing us. Everyone is being whacked. We all received letters yesterday about how much was being taken out of our salaries, which is appropriate. People like ourselves should be addressed first before cuts are imposed on young and vulnerable people in society.