Last night's "RTÉ Investigates" programme was horrific and very disturbing. It showed a system for children in care that is not working. Not only is it under pressure but it is definitely failing the children it serves. We heard the story of Max and some other kids. Max is from our own area. He was living in a car park under the Tusla offices, two miles down the road from me. My reaction was that this is indefensible and should not be allowed. We also heard other stories about young children who were being neglected or sexually abused in care and given fast food as their main diet, instead of proper food. In this House we have a case to answer. It hit home for me. I came from a dysfunctional household. I remember as a 13-year-old going in to the Eastern Health Board, as it was then, to try to look for help and there was a closed door. However, 40 years later there should not be a closed door for these individuals.

Many years ago, I spoke about the private care system, that is, special emergency arrangements, SEAs. These are privately-funded care homes for children and they are not working. They are profit centred and it is all about money. I know many well-meaning people who have worked in them but they are not qualified to look after these children. It is more like security than care.

I approached Tusla five or six years ago about setting up a facility in Kildare. I was told that there was no demand for such a facility. We went ahead anyway and set up Jigginstown Manor, of which the Deputy Leader was supportive. We did it with Kildare County Council and Homeless Care. This has transformed the lives of many people who were experiencing youth homelessness in County Kildare. Many had come from the care system. I commend Kildare County Council on making a difference here. After last night, I want to say that there is a case to answer regarding children in our care. As we are the ones making the legislation, we need to look at this.