Martin Conway (Fine Gael)

I wholeheartedly share the sentiments expressed by Senators Rónán Mullen and Jillian van Turnhout about human rights and the abuse of both the elderly and young children. It is regrettable that we are looking at a 9% increase in the number of cases reported of abuse against older persons. This House has led the way in the debate on this issue. It is astonishing that Childline does not receive one penny of State support. It is appalling to think that €4 million a year must be raised through the kindness of others in a country which calls itself a democracy and portrays itself as a society that cares about young people and children and that 38% of calls go unanswered because of a lack of resources. It is a disgrace and a shame that 800 calls a day are not answered from children who need help and at least are prepared to make a telephone call to look for help. I ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to come to the House for a debate on the funding of Childline because this is a matter which needs to be addressed urgently. I thank the Cathaoirleach for accepting my matter for discussion on the Adjournment on the missing children's hotline. The Minister has led the way in ensuring all of the stakeholders will be brought together to provide this service and I hope she will have good news for me this evening, but the position on Childline is serious. We need to deal with the matter urgently.