Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

International research has indicated that the children of alcoholics and drug addicts are far more susceptible to mental and physical illness as a result of the experience they suffer at the hands of parents who engage in substance abuse. The plight of these children is largely hidden from the public gaze. The recent audit by the Government's special rapporteur on child protection, Dr. Geoffrey Shannon, is important. His audit of the exercise by the Garda of the provisions of section 12 of the Child Care Act is important because it graphically lays bare the grim effects of alcohol and drug abuse on young people in the family home. Dr. Shannon told RTE's “Morning Ireland” that insurmountable burdens are placed on the child protection system because of society's failure to address alcohol as a fundamental problem. While the personal stories in the 318 page report were illustrated in the media, the poor quality of life endured by these children has since left the spotlight.

Will the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Zappone, come to the House to tell us what supports are available for these children? I acknowledge it as a time of grief for her and our sympathies go out to her. As soon as appropriate scheduling permits, it would be good to hear from her.

In February 2017, the all-party parliamentary group of MPs in Britain launched a manifesto calling for political support and funding for children whose parents misuse alcohol. In April, the British health Minister announced that children living with alcohol-dependent parents were to be prioritised in the strategy to address their needs.

Irish children living in such homes need to have their unique circumstances recognised by the State, given the harm they endure. In light of Dr. Shannon's report, it is time for the Department to commission a new comprehensive survey to assess the extent of the risks faced by children whose parents abuse drink and drugs. In the meantime, the Government could consider the provision of additional financing to advocacy groups to help support and counsel children living in homes where parental addiction is a constant presence.

I add my voice and congratulations to the new Taoiseach, Deputy Varadkar. It will be interesting and we all wish him well. Some good things have already been said. Following from what I said last week, however, I was disappointed the Taoiseach announced so baldly that there would be a referendum on the eighth amendment in 2018. As I said in response to Senator Bacik last week, there is a committee which is supposed to be looking at the Citizens’ Assembly report. If we are to have respect for the parliamentary process-----