Jillian van Turnhout (Independent) | Oireachtas source

No, I will not speak formally on the matter I submitted to the Cathaoirleach as I had proposed to ask a number of questions seeking specific information. I am disappointed a Minister is not available, although I am also cognisant that the matter I raised was addressed to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs who does not have a Minister of State in her Department. I understand contact was made today with all Ministers and Ministers of State and not one of them was available to come to the House.

The matter I proposed to discuss is an urgent child protection issue. It should be noted that I refrained from raising children's issues on the Adjournment during the referendum debate. I have asked the Leader repeatedly to invite the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to come before the House. Having availed of one of few options open to Senators for raising issues directly with Ministers, I am disappointed a Minister is not available to discuss an urgent and pressing child protection matter.

I was in the Chair recently when a Minister could not be found to respond to a matter raised by Senator Kathryn Reilly. While I could accept the absence of a Minister on a once-off basis, I am afraid this may be the start of a trend. I ask the Leader to raise this issue with the Government and seek immediate redress to ensure it does not happen again. Whether I will be able to raise this child protection issue next week is at the discretion of the Cathaoirleach.