Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I echo what others have said. This is indeed a historic and welcome day. It is long overdue. At last we have seen this Government move on this issue, after years of inaction by successive Governments in the face of mounting criticisms from international sources and from successive inspectors of prisons. It is a proud day and one we can be thankful for. It marks a new step in our penal policy and, as I said on Second Stage, our position on children's rights.

I thank the Minister, Deputy Fitzgerald, the Minister of State, Deputy Ó Ríordáin, and the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Reilly, who also had a role, as did the officials who worked on the Bill.

This Bill finally marks the closure of St. Patrick's Institution and the end of the practice of detaining children in prisons. It is most welcome, especially on the day when we have also seen the order on reasonable chastisement finally signed into law. Let us hope we see more progress on children's rights in the short time left under this Government. I think we may do so. I commend all those who have worked on this issue, including Senator van Turnhout.