Jillian van Turnhout (Independent)

I welcome the Fianna Fáil proposal to take all Stages of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Bill, which I would wholeheartedly support. Although I have not had an opportunity to discuss it with my group, I know there would be much support. Today's newspapers carry reports of a case heard in the Dublin District Children's Court yesterday about the HSE's inability to find accommodation for a boy in his mid-teens. This is not a report from ten or 20 years ago, but yesterday in our capital city. Judge Gibbons said:

This young chap patently needs the assistance of something that terms itself the child protection agency... it is obvious from this that the HSE has completely walked away from its responsibilities... [The HSE has] lost the plot.

The judge was disturbed by its lack of co-operation. This report indicates that there is a boy in his mid-teens that we have failed as a State. The Seanad should send out a clear message that it is totally unacceptable. I call on the Leader to express that message to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.

I agree with Senator Bacik's comments on child benefit, an issue on which I have done considerable work. Yet again we get the call for it to be taxed or means-tested. Many research papers have proved that it is impossible to tax or means-test it. We would end up paying so much in administration to identify who is the beneficiary of the payment. Is it the children's money or the parents' money? How would it be administered if the parents are separate or there are custody arrangements? It is a horizontal payment that demonstrates how we value children in our society. Many families are in financial distress and finding it very difficult. Removing the safety net at this time is not the answer and certainly not in this simplistic way. Mr. Michael O'Leary and others have raised a misconception in complaining about receiving child benefit. A parent must apply to get child benefit and does not get it automatically. On having one's first child one must apply. People who claim that they get it and do not want should be told to stop - they do not have to have it and people must apply. Families who are applying for child benefit obviously believe they need it. I raised this at the Joint Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education and said we should not be so simplistic when considering taxing or means-testing. There are other ways, including a free schoolbook scheme or free children's health. There are other ways to ensure the money goes to pay for what it is intended. Let us not be so simplistic and consider one Department - let us connect government.