The report by the national review panel into deaths or serious incidents involving children in care is due to be published later today. This report highlights serious failings of the State in the past. It also highlights how as a State we continue to fail vulnerable children. In that context, when will two critical pieces of legislation be enacted - the Children First guidelines and legislation for the provision of aftercare? The Children First guidelines formed a key piece of legislation promised by the Government when it assumed office. Three and a half years later, we have only got to Second Stage and still await the remaining Stages in the Dáil. As a result of this, vulnerable children have been left in vulnerable situations.

The first Bill has passed Second Stage in the House and is due for Committee Stage. The second Bill will be published next session.