Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Senator Bacik referred to patronage in schools. The Minister has stated this will take some time. We had a debate in the House recently on patronage and pluralism in schools.

Senator van Turnhout raised the question of the report of the child death review group and that matter was taken up by Senators Hayden, Mullen, Walsh, Ó Clochartaigh, O'Keeffe and others. The report was established in March 2010 and has been published today. The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs welcomes the findings and recommendations of the report. She accepts fully the need for actions in the areas identified in the recommendations and many of the actions and service reforms were already under way ahead of the publication of this report as they form part of the ongoing agenda in child and family services. The Minister is confident the ongoing change agenda led by the HSE national director, Mr. Gordon Jeyes, which has seen a focus on improved processes, capacity and consistency, coupled with the recruitment of 260 additional social workers, has resulted in an enhanced service for children and families. Some 258 of the 260 additional posts have been recruited since 2010 in line with the recommendations of the Ryan report.

The need for action is of paramount importance. I agree with Members that we should have a debate on the report. I have already requested the Minister to come to the House on a number of issues dealing with child protection and the rights of children. As Senator Burke mentioned, the report will be considered by the health committee tomorrow morning. I will certainly endeavour to have the Minister come to the House and I am sure she will accede to the request for a debate in the House on that matter in early course.

With regard to Private Members' business, which was raised by Senator Norris, it is up to each group to decide whether it wishes to take up its Private Members' time or not. That is the situation in regard to private business. If a group decides it does not want to take up its time, that is its prerogative. With regard to the matter relating to the deputy Israeli ambassador, I referred that matter yesterday to the Tánaiste's office and I await a reply.

With regard to fisheries, I am surprised by Senator Norris' point. This Minister has just negotiated probably one of the best deals ever for Irish fisheries.