Martin Conway (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister to the House. The fact that a senior Cabinet Minister has responsibility for children, for the first time, makes a statement that the protection of children is one of the Government's key priorities. The Chair may recall that last July, I raised the question of the 116000 number on the Adjournment. I got a very positive response from the Minister on that occasion. Much of what was said on that occasion was incorporated in the speech the Minister made today. I am delighted that a working group is to be established. It is a tangible thing that can be done very quickly. I hope this service will be rolled out in the early part of 2012, as opposed to the latter part of 2012. Sixteen countries have started a service and there is no reason we cannot be the 17th country to do so. The 116000 number is available. As Senator Keane said, it has been reserved throughout the EU. It is part of EU legislation. It would link well with the 999 service and services like that provided by Childline.

I suggest that the proper place for this service to be located is not with a non-governmental organisation. I think it should be based within the structures of the State, for example, within the Garda Síochána. Perhaps it could be operated directly by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. Too many things have been farmed out to non-governmental organisations. We need to pull it back and run it within the State, where those responsible for it will be ultimately accountable to the Houses of the Oireachtas as opposed to a non-governmental organisation. I say that with all the best will in the world. I wish the Minister, Deputy Fitzgerald, well in her endeavours and I look forward to receiving a progress report on the launch of this service in the early part of 2012.