Kieran O'Donnell, TD

Shakespeare wrote: "Defer no time, delays have dangerous consequences." Over past years, we have let down the children of Ireland and have allowed children's lives be ruined and destroyed.

Fine Gael TD for Dublin South Olivia Mitchell TD has today welcomed the announcement of a long-overdue upgrade of the junction at Overend Way/Balally Luas Station.

To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will clarify the person's who may become a member of the panel of advisors of the new independent advisory service for mortgage holders; if her attention has been drawn to concerns among professions such as financial brokers that they will suffer from loss competitive advantage if they are admitted to this scheme at a much later date; if she will give consideration to immediately admitting such professions which are well regulated and meet the criteria of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter?

I am grateful for the opportunity to discuss the Thirty-First Amendment to the Constitution (Children) Bill. This is vital and entirely worthy legislation

It is a long awaited and much needed initiative and I commend the Minister, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, the Taoiseach and the Cabinet on bringing it forward within 18 months of coming to office. I also welcome the cross-party support for the proposal in the House and the broader universal support from agencies working in the area of child welfare. Such a consensus is probably unique in the history of the State.

It is a long awaited and much needed initiative and I commend the Minister, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, the Taoiseach and the Cabinet on bringing it forward within 18 months of coming to office. I also welcome the cross-party support for the proposal in the House and the broader universal support from agencies working in the area of child welfare. Such a consensus is probably unique in the history of the State.

It is a long awaited and much needed initiative and I commend the Minister, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, the Taoiseach and the Cabinet on bringing it forward within 18 months of coming to office. I also welcome the cross-party support for the proposal in the House and the broader universal support from agencies working in the area of child welfare. Such a consensus is probably unique in the history of the State.

It is a long awaited and much needed initiative and I commend the Minister, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, the Taoiseach and the Cabinet on bringing it forward within 18 months of coming to office. I also welcome the cross-party support for the proposal in the House and the broader universal support from agencies working in the area of child welfare. Such a consensus is probably unique in the history of the State.

I congratulate the Minister, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, on her handling of this very sensitive issue. It has been recognised for years that a constitutional amendment was required to guarantee that children's interests are foremost when the State is dealing with their rights.

To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline the process whereby a member of the judiciary may be disciplined if they have not been able to fulfil their duties in a competent manner, if there has been any issue of misconduct or if there is a question over of their ability to practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter.