Dail Statements on Child Protection
29 April 2010

Deputy Alan Shatter:  I listened with interest to the Minister of State’s speech. I do not believe that within the limited time available to me I will have an opportunity to address each of the topics raised by him but will try to cover a number of them which are of considerable importance. Continue reading »

Excerpt from Dail Transcript
11th March 2010
Report of Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children: Statements

Deputy Alan Shatter:  I join Deputy O’Rourke in thanking all those who made presentations to the committee, both written and oral, and the committee’s staff and legal advisers. Continue reading »

Excerpt from Dail Transcript 04 Mar 2010

The Death of Children in the Care of the State Since 2000: Statements.

Deputy Alan Shatter: I will start by agreeing with the Minister that not only is it a significant part of his work to ensure the State acts in loco parentis to children taken into care, ensuring they are properly protected, but that it is the most significant and important part of his work. Continue reading »

Extract from Dail Transcript
16 Dec 09Social Welfare Cuts Motion

Deputy Alan Shatter: I support the motion, which was tabled by Deputy Naughten on behalf of Fine Gael. We have had an interesting day in the House. This debate is not simply about the issues which are the subject of the motion. It also concerns our value system, how we perceive what political parties should do in Government, how they perceive society, what role political parties should play and what obligations we have to the most vulnerable people.

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Thursday, 3 December

Taoiseach accused of showing undue deference to Church authorities; Papal Nuncio should appear before Oireachtas Committee; Clerical abuse in Northern Ireland must be investigated; Reform of child protection laws must be prioritised and recent deaths of children in care of the State must be independently investigated Continue reading »

Deputy Alan Shatter: I am very conscious that making any public comment is like walking on glass in dealing with this legislation, whether from the Minister or any other Member. I have followed the debate from my office this morning and noted the careful contributions of all Deputies who have spoken thus far. Continue reading »

Dail Transcript
9th July 2009

Deputy Alan Shatter: My colleagues have voiced many valid criticisms of this Bill which I believe has been prepared with undue haste. It is being guillotined in circumstances which are highly inappropriate and which is laying the foundation for attacks on which I expect the Government to further build in the next budget. Continue reading »