Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for indicating openness with regard to the question of ensuring that any report be laid before the Oireachtas to allow for engagement in that way. It is a useful acknowledgment of the fact that there has been very constructive engagement from concerned individuals from parties across the Oireachtas. The evolution of our national discussion on this issue reflects the fact that there has been very constructive Oireachtas engagement. I welcome the Minister's indication on that with regard to amendment No. 130.

I understand his concerns regarding amendment No. 131. I suppose we will have to wait and see. I hope the review will address to an adequate level the operations of that agency but we need to very clear. We do not need to be afraid of acknowledging that there have been failings on the part of agencies in the past. That is important. Part of how we build confidence for the future is acknowledging where agencies have fallen short or where there have been particular cultural practices within them in the past that have been very narrow. The Minister will be very aware that many individual citizens' experience of engagement with the Child and Family Agency has not been positive or constructive.I entirely understand and accept the potential and intention for change, reform and improvement in this regard, but it is also my view that citizens have a right to express the reality of their experiences. As Oireachtas Members, we all must become used to accepting criticism all of the time, in every forum and about everything we do. Similarly, our State agencies must be open to accepting criticisms and concerns and acknowledging citizens have had negative experiences and that those concerns need to be addressed. Recognising that and offering apologies is part of us all moving forward as a contemporary state.

I acknowledge the Minister's view that this issue can be addressed internally, as part of the general review. We must wait and hope the review will address the specific functions of specific agencies. I am confident that if it is he who is putting the terms for such a review in place, then that will be the case. We do not know whether it will be the Minister who does it but I hope it is. I welcome his indication in respect of the engagement with the Houses of the Oireachtas and, I presume, with relevant stakeholders on a future review.