Roma children investigation
The Leader reiterates the need for a full report into the Roma children’s cases and stresses the importance of learning lessons while recognising Garda and HSE responsibilities.
Senator Darragh O'Brien raised the issue of the return last night of two Roma children to their families. The Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Alan Shatter, gave a comprehensive reply in this House yesterday when we were discussing the Private Members' motion. It is important to establish whether lessons can be learned from these events. The Minister has asked for a full report on the circumstances of how these children were taken into care. As Senator Darragh O'Brien noted, it is very important to acknowledge that the Garda, together with the HSE, which plays a very important part in child care, has certain powers under section 12 of the Child Care Act to take children to a safe place. The law is very clear - when there are reasonable grounds and there is a reasonable risk, the authorities can intervene, which is what happened. I have no doubt that the Garda acted in good faith in the two cases in question. As it turned out, the concerns were unfounded, but it is very important for us to establish whether lessons can be learned from these events. I am sure the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, and the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Alan Shatter, will establish what the exact situation was and what actions need to be taken to prevent further events such as these.
Senator Darragh O'Brien also spoke about private health insurance, outlining that 577,000 people would be affected by increases as a result of decreased tax relief. I answered comprehensively on this matter yesterday. In view of the €500 million it will cost for one year for these reliefs, "gold-plated" may not have been the best advised term to use during the Budget Statement. I will certainly ask a Minister to attend the Chamber to discuss the issue with us, but it is very unlikely that the Minister for Finance would be able do so this afternoon and for that reason, I cannot accept the proposed amendment to the Order of Business.
Senators Ivana Bacik and Paschal Mooney spoke about the surveillance of EU citizens by the United States. I am sure we will take up this matter with the Tánaiste who is due to attend the House after the Order of Business.
Senators Sean D. Barrett, Catherine Noone and Diarmuid Wilson spoke about our having a more responsible and sensible relationship with drinking and alcohol and about the measures to be outlined today. I am sure we will have a debate on these issues with the Minister of State, Deputy Alex White.
Senator Cáit Keane mentioned dyspraxia in children. I will try to arrange a debate on this issue with the Minister. I suggest the Senator submit an Adjournment matter in order to get the details she requires.
Senators Denis O'Donovan and Trevor Ó Clochartaigh called for a debate on the fishing industry. I agree with their points. The Minister for Agricuture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney, attended and although some 15 Senators had sought a debate on agriculture in recent weeks, only eight offered to contribute yesterday when the Minister responded in advance of the allotted time. When Members ask for debates on different issues - I refer to all sides of the House and I am not looking at-----