Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

One year on from the publication of the Ryan report it is important that we revisit the issue and have a full debate on what we have learned since its publication, the new structures which have been put in place, where are we in the protection of children and whether they are better protected since the publication of the report. Its dreadful narrative has been publicised, but we need to move beyond this. The next phase must be the establishment of new structures and implementation of an amendment on children's rights. I note what Senator Corrigan said. It is a disgrace that 400 children are missing from the care of the HSE. The Minister of State, Deputy Barry Andrews, and the Government have been slow in their response to the Ryan report and on the protection of children.

I second Senator Coffey's amendment to the Order of Business and thank the Chathaoirleach for allowing the matter of the job losses at Pfizer to be raised on the Adjournment. It is important that we look at the issues of employment and unemployment and debate a jobs plan for Ireland because the Government does not seem to have one. Almost 13% of the population are unemployed. That amounts to 430,000 of our fellow citizens who have been left without work, an income and hope. The Government just seems to be drifting along. I look forward to a debate on the issue.