Imelda Henry (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

While I do not agree with the amendment, I welcome the fact that we are engaging in such a good debate. Senator van Turnhout and I are members of the Joint Committee on Health and Children and I can inform Senator Walsh that the Minister keeps the committee up to date on her work on a regular basis. I have no doubt that when the referendum has been passed, the Minister will do whatever is necessary in the context of the provision of resources. There have been two positive developments in this area in recent times, namely, the appearance of the general scheme of the Children First Bill and the establishment of the child and family support agency, which will be fully operational in the new year. I know that the Minister will go into greater detail on this matter but it must be noted that after the referendum is passed, there will still be a great deal more work to be done. However, I have no doubt that the Minister is committed to doing that work and I have full faith in her.