On page 5 of the programme for Government there is a commitment to target investment at crucial areas such as early years to give all children the best possible start in life and to establish a dedicated prevention and early intervention unit under the Departments of Public Expenditure and Reform and Finance. It was revealed to me this morning in reply to a parliamentary question that almost 1,500 children were taken into care under emergency care orders in the three years between 2012 and 2015. Could the Taoiseach tell us when the Government will get serious about the crisis in child welfare, because 1,500 children being taken into care under emergency care orders in three years is very serious? We need to deal with the issue. There is a commitment in the programme for Government. When is the Government going to do something about it?

The Government is very serious about improving child protection in this country. Significant progress has been made to date in that regard. I refer to the establishment of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, the children's referendum and the legislation flowing from that such as putting Children First on a statutory basis. In addition, Tusla has been established. I cannot say if there is specific legislation or a programme for Government commitment on this-----

There is.

-----but perhaps the Deputy could raise the matter with the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.