Michael Mullins (Fine Gael)

I, too, extend best wishes for 2012 to the Cathaoirleach and my colleagues. I concur with Senator Landy on the issue of medical cards. We are all aware that the service is in crisis. Those of us who were members of Health Service Executive forums two or two and a half years ago warned that this problem was likely to occur. Unfortunately, we must make the system that is in place work.

I welcome the announcement made by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, on a jobs initiative. He confirmed that the Government is placing job creation at the top of its agenda for 2012. The House should take every available opportunity to keep jobs at the top of its agenda.

I support Senator Bacik's request to invite the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, to the House to discuss children's rights, including adoption. I raise this issue against the background of a report in national newspapers on St. Stephen's Day that more than 1,300 children contacted the childline service on Christmas day, an increase of 40% on the same day in 2010. It is worrying that on what is supposed to be the happiest and best day of the year for children and families such a large number of children found it necessary to seek help. Financial pressures and difficulties have been cited as part of the reason for the increase, as have alcohol and drug abuse in families. A major debate is required on this issue, including on the wider issue of parenting. If such a large number of children believe it is necessary to seek help on Christmas day, something is seriously wrong in society. We pump large sums of money into training people for all sorts of careers and jobs but pay little attention and allocate few resources to parenting. The House should discuss this issue with the Minister and I look forward to doing so in 2012.