Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join my colleagues in complimenting the Minister on successfully steering this legislation through the Houses of the Oireachtas.

It is a difficult topic. The Bill is designed in the best interests of children. It is unfortunate that we must resort to detaining children but that is a reality. Thankfully, we will have it at one location. I can see the challenges and difficulties highlighted by Senator van Turnhout. These are something of which we must be conscious. From our own communities we all will be aware of children in the 16 and 17 age group with serious challenging behaviour and I certainly would have concerns for younger children who are in detention.

We must strive that it be a last resort that any child has to be in detention. Much child-centred legislation has been brought through these Houses since the formation of the Government four and a half years ago. Earlier today, we passed a very significant Bill, the Children First Bill, which has been designed to ensure our children are safe and protected and that we have processes and procedures in place to deal with difficulties that children encounter. I compliment the Minister on the Children (Amendment) Bill and urge him to keep his eye on the issues referred to by Senators van Turnhout and Leyden and me so that younger children will be well protected in such institutions.