Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

As a Minister of State in the Department of Health, I take safeguarding incredibly seriously. I have to be frank. For too long we have had a culture of silence in relation to child abuse, with cover-ups facilitated by institutions and those in positions of power and authority. I do not say that lightly. We also know of the harm caused to people who have been victimised and abused in the care of the State and services funded by the State. This is not new and unfortunately it is not something we can say is fully behind us in the past either. Culture change takes time. From the very introduction of Children First, we set out a very clear message for everyone. If in doubt, report it. Do not expect somebody else will. Furthermore, we placed a legal obligation on people in certain positions working with children and vulnerable adults and in other positions of authority to report any concerns they may have to Tusla or An Garda Síochána. It is the responsibility of all Departments to ensure that all staff in their Departments and the relevant sectors and agencies under their remit of and funded by them are aware of and comply with the obligations under Children First guidance and relevant legislation to ensure that children and young people are kept safe while accessing services provided or funded by every Department. I am happy to talk to the Senator offline after this.