Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I extend a very warm welcome to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, on her return to the House in which she previously served. All Members of the Seanad were involved in the tabling of this joint motion, but I must commend Senator Jillian van Turnhout, in particular, for initiating the process relating to it. I also commend the Minister who provided one of the most comprehensive responses I have ever heard to any motion tabled in the House. It is obvious that she took the matter on board and her contribution was so good that I do not have anything to add. She went to the Cabinet, explained the position to it and obtained its support.

What is happening here today defines what the Seanad is about. A Senator initiates a motion, carries out research, brings it to his or her colleagues in search of their support and, if such support is forthcoming, it is put to the line Minister. The fundamental reason Deputy Fitzgerald was appointed Minister for Children and Youth Affairs was that she would have a dedicated responsibility in respect of the matters under discussion. She has begun her work with great gusto and energy. The issue which is the subject of this debate is extremely sensitive. As the Minister outlined, however, if a child goes missing, the Garda Síochána is the first port of call in seeking assistance. The 116000 number would not be required in such circumstances, but if it were in use, it would certainly add to the services already available. The number would be of particular assistance to new entrants to the country because it would be easier for them to use it to contact the Garda. It is a pan-European number. It would be very useful if the European Union provided some support funding for this initiative. It is fine to publish regulations and requirements for initiatives but rolling this out in 27 countries does not seem to be the most expensive action ever taken. Anybody who has experienced a child missing for a few minutes on a beach would realise the panic that sets in when this happens. Most families have experienced moments when children have been out of sight for a few minutes, and it is a terrifying experience. This number will be very useful to families and young parents in particular. They will know exactly what number to ring to contact appropriate authorities.

I welcome the fact that a project team has been set up to consider this in great detail. There is no point in having the 116000 number in place if the back-up does not exist to ensure that when a person rings the number, action will be taken. There is no point having somebody at the end of the line who can give consolation but cannot act. There is a cost involved.

I also note the Department of Justice and Equality allocates money for support organisations of victims of crime, which is very welcome. It is frightening to see the number of children involved. One of the biggest problems now is children being abducted by a parent and being brought to a Middle Eastern state. That is a serious act and I have noted some tragic cases where children, because of religious or other reasons, are abducted by a father or mother before being brought to a country that does not recognise extradition of individuals. The Minister might examine the issue because there are some well-known cases. A former MEP and candidate for the presidency, Ms Mary Banotti, is an expert in this regard and we should recognise her contribution. She has taken a particular interest in the issue and has helped hundreds of families, personally investigating the abduction of children. She has supported and assisted the return of those children to the family home.

As was mentioned at the outset, it is important for people to explore this area and I hope the Minister's speech will get widespread coverage in the media. It is useful and I know it will be on the departmental website. The information in it is revealing from a statistical perspective and the Minister has gone into great detail. I commend the motion to the House and thank the Minister for accepting it in a comprehensive fashion. Senator van Turnhout should be commended for initiating the motion, and that shows the benefits of our new Seanad with so many people of different expertise. I am delighted to be associated with and support it. I thank the Minister for her response.