I understand all the complexities and difficulties attached to the issue historically. When we look at some of the ridiculous suggestions proposed in some of the Bills in recent years, I accept that today we have moved on. In fairness to the Minister, he has delivered this legislation, unlike others before him who talked a lot of talk. I would love to be able to welcome the Bill without any reservations but, unfortunately, I have serious reservations. While discussion of the Bill should be considered landmark occas…

What assurances can the Minister's Department offer to children who find that the State does not consider their mother their legal parent? This relates to children who have been born through surrogacy. Any proposed legislation is still some time away. What proposals are there to protect children's rights and welfare in the interim? I know the Minister supports resolving this issue and has met with relevant groups. I am just taking the opportunity to raise the issue again.

I thank the Minister. As I said, I wanted to raise this issue again. I know it falls under the remits of a number of Departments, including the Departments of Justice and Health. I also know that the Minister has met with the groups. In fairness, I believe he also went out to them the day they were here outside the Dáil. This is so frustrating for them. They hear a lot of very positive words in this Chamber and in their meetings. It is rare for everybody in this Chamber to agree on something but this is one of thos…

I have two suggestions for practical solutions. With regard to the upcoming legislation, could the Minister and the Ministers for Health and Justice write to the committee to see if the pre-legislative scrutiny stage can be progressed as a matter of urgency? I believe it falls under the remit of the Joint Committee on Health although I would argue that some of it should fall under the remit of the Joint Committee on Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth as it affects children's rights. Given that th…

This question asks what actions the Department has taken to address the chronic staff shortages in early years services and for the Minister to make a statement on the matter. It has become particularly relevant in the last two weeks with recent announcements by the Department of Education. I will get into that in my later contribution.

In recent years, there has been a serious issue with retaining staff. We have had that discussion and we know it comes down to the pay and conditions. Highly qualified people are training up to degree level and sometimes beyond but are getting poor rates of pay. I hope the JLC process works. The Minister said the State is not the employer. I wish the State were the employer; I would like to see that happening eventually. Obviously, it will not happen today or tomorrow. The Covid pandemic has put considerable extra …

I agree. I have always argued that there should be a wage scale. I would prefer to see that being taken on by the State but, in the absence of that, I hope the JLC process is successful. I welcome what the Minister said about the short-term measures because I think they are doing something similar in the education system in terms of people who are doing their masters. Is there any data on how many people will be released? The Minister probably does not have that information right here and now so I ask him to supply…

Deputy Mattie McGrath has sent his apologies regarding his question.

The next question is in the name of Deputy Pauline Tully and her substitute is Deputy Thomas Gould.

Is the Deputy sharing his time with Deputy Bríd Smith?

Deputy Duncan Smith is sharing time with Deputy Ó Ríordáin.

I will move to the Independent Group. I note Deputy Pringle is sharing time with Deputy Harkin. They have five minutes and three minutes, respectively.

I thank the Minister. I am glad we have the opportunity to discuss this again. It is helpful to have these statements after Tuesday. I will divide my contribution into three sections. The first is to refer to specific stories that people have brought to my attention since Tuesday. I am always surprised that every time this subject is raised, somebody new gets in contact with me. They are people who felt that they were somehow forgotten, so I will briefly mention them so they know that a tiny section of their storie…

The Rural Independent Group has given its time to Deputy Catherine Connolly.

I ask the Minister to conclude and he has ten minutes to do so.

The next speaker is from the Regional Group. Deputy Berry has 20 minutes.

We will have time because a number of speakers are not here. Deputy Barry is next and then I will go to Deputy Michael Healy-Rae.

We have finished with contributions now. The Minister of State will have an opportunity to reply.

I move: That Dáil Éireann: acknowledges: —that the State failed the women and children who were in Ireland’s Mother and Baby Homes and County Homes institutions; —that women and their children were unlawfully separated during their time in these institutions; —that women and their children were unlawfully separated during their time in institutions not investigated by the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes and certain related Matters; —that women and their children were unlawfully separated in n…

I am pleased to get the opportunity to raise this issue and speak on the redress scheme. I clearly remember the first woman who confided in me about her time in a mother and baby institution. It was about ten years ago, and I was a member of Kilkenny Borough Council at the time. This lady had come to me for advice on a different matter, but she ended up telling me her story. I still remember her sadness, partly because so few in her life knew about it. It has stayed with me to this day. I always felt very glad that…