Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Recognising the work being done by bodies is a point we ought to be making here. Obviously, when there is a report such as that on the investigation carried out by the Ombudsman for Children one is highlighting the deficiencies, the areas that need improvement and why what happened took place. However, it is very relevant to point out as well, and I was very conscious of this as the former Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, the huge amount of work the Garda has done regarding child protection. Many new initiatives have been taken, much training has been done and new sections have been developed to deal with cases, such as sexual abuse cases, that come to the attention of the Garda. Equally, the sports bodies have done a huge amount of work in respect of better practices, codes of conduct, investigations and taking action, and responding to guidelines such as Children First.

The Senator provided an example in respect of sporting bodies and the work they are doing to tackle racism. He is absolutely correct to state that a great deal of that work sometimes occurs below the radar. We tend to hear more about the gaps and the deficiencies. His point regarding the fact that there has been a sea change in Ireland in respect of equality and human rights in recent decades is well made. It must be stated that we had a great deal of catching up to do and there is no room for us to be complacent. However, huge strides have been made and, as stated on a previous occasion, we must pay tribute to those who have taken the lead in respect of this matter, including the Equality Authority, the Human Rights Commission and individuals such as Senator Zappone and others.