Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister and thank him for his overview of this important legislation. It is important at the outset to say we must always be mindful of the protection of the welfare of children in any care setting, regardless of where it is in the home or elsewhere. Sadly there have been too many cases of abuse of children in their homes. That is a reality we have to deal with on a very regular basis.

I acknowledge the work that was done by the Minister's predecessor, Dr. Katherine Zappone. In 2019, as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, she announced a review of the enforcement parts of Tusla in the early years inspectorate. That was undertaken as part of the follow-up to an "RTÉ Investigates" programme that exposed very serious allegations of significant breaches of regulations in early learning and childcare services. It was an important turning point in putting the spotlight on this area. I acknowledge RTÉ for the enormous role it played in this regard. It is an example of public broadcasting at its best.

Clearly, the purpose of this Bill is to ensure that Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, and all people who have appropriate powers and functions are fully compliant with all regulations at the time in relation to the care of our children. The Bill also ensures that parents are provided with access to information in relation to the quality of those services. That is an important point to state.

I acknowledge the work of the joint Oireachtas committee. I understand there were more than 90 recommendations. I do not know whether they were all taken. They were certainly analysed and put down in regard to how all that is going on. I am not a member of the committee but I am aware of its work. I salute and acknowledge its important work. It is perhaps one of the hardest-working committees in the Oireachtas. Its members are all passionate about their work, which is an added advantage. Anyone sitting around that table wants to be there. It is important to acknowledge its input.

We talk about the national action plan for childminding and the importance of childminding. I note what Senator Seery Kearney said about the different settings. While we need to have regulation, we do not want unnecessary bureaucracy and over-regulation because clearly there has to be flexibility. There are different needs for different people, and different sets of circumstances. Issues like what constitutes family, the children in the extended family and the number of units of that family are all part of today's society. There are challenges around the appropriate care of children and age-appropriate support. For a whole range of other reasons, children may need support and minding. I am aware of the work of the committee and want to acknowledge that and its recommendations.

The pre-legislative scrutiny has all been dealt with. In principle, I support this legislation. I understand what the Minister is trying to do. It is important. He has my support in this legislation.