I refer to the apology by the Taoiseach on behalf of the State to the Roma families whose children were needlessly taken into care last year. I welcome the offer of compensation to the families concerned and the acknowledgement of the inappropriateness of the actions of the Garda Síochána in this case. I commend the Ombudsman for Children on her very straightforward report and clear recommendations. I also acknowledge the comment in the report that the Ombudsman for Children accepts the Garda Síochána was acting at all times in the best interests of the children concerned. That is not an excuse for what happened and I note the comments of the acting Garda Commissioner who fully accepted the report and indicated the Garda Síochána will take all measures within its powers to ensure such events do not recur.

I support my colleague, Senator Mary Moran, in commending the Minister for Health, Deputy James Reilly, on yesterday's announcement that Cabinet agreement has been reached on an ex gratia compensation payment scheme for approximately 250 women. The tragedy for the women concerned was an issue taken seriously by the Minister in opposition and in government. I am glad that he has been able to secure agreement from Cabinet for proposals that will hopefully be of great assistance to the women concerned.

Senator Katherine Zappone posed the question of whether we are open, respectful and tolerant about marriage equality. As a society, we need to apply the question more broadly and I fear that the answer may be "No". I was deeply touched by the seven-year-old Roma girl who has reportedly dyed her hair black not to look prettier but to fit in. Why did she do that? Even at the tender age of seven years, she figured out that she would be safe by doing so and would look like the rest of her family and not be in danger of being taken again. The issue raises many questions. The Ombudsman for Children has declared the Athlone case to be an example of racial profiling. It raises questions about the type of society we are, how tolerant we are, how respectful we are and whether we respect difference. I ask the Deputy Leader to ask the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, to come to the House before the summer to examine a number of matters. These include the changes to policing, changes to GSOC and to discuss the report by the Ombudsman for Children. This will happen again and there will be other child cases. What new protocols will be in place? How will it be handled in the future? We need the Garda Síochána to take situations seriously but one must always be innocent until proven guilty. Are there better ways of handling things? Should a social worker have handled it alone? We must be careful. We value the family in our Constitution. Everything that could go wrong went wrong in these two cases. Considering the breadth of the role that the former Leader of the Opposition in this House, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, holds as Minister for Justice and Equality, it would be useful if we could have the debate before the summer recess.