Imelda Henry (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate Senator van Turnhout. She is an expert on this matter and has a great interest in the welfare of children. She spoke very well this evening.

A great deal has been said in this House in recent years about the protection of children and that is what we are discussing now. I hope the Minister will give the amendment some consideration. It is very important that children are protected in their own homes but I am not sure how we can manage that. We would probably be obliged to rely on the children themselves. The issue is complicated.

I would appreciate if the Minister would give the matter some thought because we have come a long way in terms of child protection in this country. The Minister and his predecessor have done much work in terms of disturbing legacy issues affecting children. As my party spokesperson on children in this House, I acknowledge that we have come a long way but that we have a lot to do also. I would be very happy if the Minister could give the amendment serious consideration.