Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In addition, when she criticises she is usually right. She is magnanimous when credit is deserved.

It is appropriate that these families would get this good news just a few days before Christmas. The 23 families concerned will have a much happier Christmas. I share the concerns voiced by Senator van Turnhout. Obviously there must always be adequate systems in place to protect vulnerable children. Nobody disagrees with that and the Minister is doing everything possible to ensure that vulnerable children are protected in all instances.

I congratulate the families and wish them well. I know that their Christmas will be happier as a result of the legislation that is passed in the House today. I wish the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs and her officials continued success in all of the difficult challenges that they will face in the coming year. I compliment every Member of Government and the Oireachtas that helped to encourage and steer the legislation to this stage. I congratulate everyone involved. I take the opportunity to wish all Members of the House a very happy and peaceful Christmas.