Senator Mary White:

I congratulate the Minister, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, on her appointment as the first full Cabinet Minister in the history of the State with a portfolio dedicated to the welfare of children. She was a distinguished leader of the Opposition in the previous Seanad and I wish her well in her challenging and complex portfolio. I have 100% confidence in her.

The evolution of Government responsibility for children's affairs does, I hopemirror the realisation in society of the need to respond to the scandalous neglect of children at risk during the years. It has evolved from being part of the responsibility of the Minister for Health to the setting up of the Office of the Minister for Children, the Minister of State with responsibility for which attended Cabinet meetings, to the establishment of a dedicated Department. The setting up of the Office of the Ombudsman for Children and the appointment of Ms Emily Logan as its courageous leader marked another crucial institutional step forward. As Senator Terry Leyden stated, Fianna Fáil must take credit for the progress made and the evolution towards a full Ministry to deal with children's affairs.