I welcome the opportunity to speak on this amendment Bill. It is clear that State protection of children is in serious need of change. There have been too many cases recently that have highlighted Ireland's lack of regard for the rights of children. The HIQA report published in November, in particular, laid bare the alarming failures of basic child protection. There are, of course, so many social workers and social care workers who are overstretched and under huge pressure in so many parts of the State. Clearly, there are serious personnel gaps in these critical services, and the most vulnerable children are suffering as a result. This is wholly unacceptable. We really need to make sure children and families know their social workers so that trust can be build up with them. However, many of the findings in that report paint a very bleak and concerning reality of our child protection services. In some cases, it took over six months before referrals to social workers were reviewed, meaning that immediate safeguarding action could not be undertaken and children being allocated to workers who had no child protection or welfare training, or experience. This must be addressed by this new legislation being brought forward. It is also essential the Government brings together stakeholders on the reform of the legislation. The Association for Guardian ad litem Ireland, a group representing advocates for children in child court proceedings, says the Minister has refused to meet with its representatives, having reduced their numbers by a third. These are court-appointed individuals to represent children in legal proceedings. They are meant to be the independent voice of the child but this new legislation could lead to the children's guardians ad litem no longer being independent. The association says this will dilute children's rights and protections and that the Department seems to be unaware of the consequences this may have. The association also says it has not been involved in the shaping of the services for children in any meaningful way and that its main concerns have not been addressed. I ask the Minister to consider these concerns that have been brought forward very capably by our spokesperson on children, Deputy Kerrane, and ensure any reform of the current legislation is robust and includes all stakeholders who have experience in this field. It is essential for the future protection of all the children of the nation. Caithfimid aire a thabhairt do pháistí.

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