On a related note, in the context of waste within the hot school meals programme, I understand the relationship is between the school and the provider but the Minister's Department issues guidelines and those guidelines refer to things like portion size and calories. Will the Minister issue some guidelines regarding age appropriateness? A child of four does not eat the same portion size as a child of 12. They just do not. If there are to be guidelines and guidance issued in relation to waste, this would be very app…

I want it to be clear before I put this question that I understand completely why the default is that child benefit goes to the mother. I absolutely respect that. I appreciate where it comes from. However, increasingly I have people coming into my office and contacting my office here in the Dáil to say that they are co-parents, children are not cheap, they split the bills 50:50 and they have access. In some instances, there can be an informal arrangement, but that is not always possible. I wonder if the Minister ha…

I think so. I respect the reply that the Minister has given and I do not disagree necessarily. However, there are instances increasingly where parents can demonstrate, either with a mandate from the court or, indeed, with an informal arrangement, that they split the custody, the care and, more importantly, the bills - as I said, children are not cheap - 50:50. There is an unfairness there. The reasons child benefit goes mostly to the mother are obvious. I absolutely respect those, but we need to start that conversa…

That is a sensible suggestion and one that I will take on board. I welcome the fact that the Minister is not opposed or hostile to the notion that we can look at it. I am not sure exactly what can be done but a conversation on this would be worthwhile at committee. I will engage with the committee Chair and with the Department.

I thank the Deputies for tabling the motion because we cannot speak enough about child poverty. We on the Opposition benches have put forward plenty of solutions. We have flagged to the Government time and again issues as they arise. They arise in our advice clinics and in our offices and we make sure we bring the message directly to the Government. In his opening remarks, the Minister for Social Protection told us the motion did not reflect the complex and multifaceted nature of child poverty and it did not reflec…

Speak directly to the 5,000 homeless kids, Minister. On you go.

There are 5,000 homeless children.

Are you not a bit ashamed?

Are you not a bit ashamed?

Excuse me, a Chathaoirligh. The Minister addressed me directly. I am entitled to respond.

How dare you.

How dare you.

Are you not a bit ashamed?

Are you proud of that figure, Minister?

Excuse me, a Chathaoirligh, the Minister asked me a direct question, and I am asking him one.

Are you proud of your record on child homelessness, Minister? "Yes" or "No".

Are you proud?

Are you proud of your record on child homelessness?

You are proud of your record, are you?

You do not look at those kids in the eye, Minister.