Moving from bleak failure to bright future - Speech by Minister Frances Fitzgerald at Mac Gill Summer School

1980 – The Taskforce on Child Care
1993 – Kilkenny
1995 – Kelly Fitzgerald
1998 – West of Ireland Case
2005 – Ferns
2009 – Dublin, Ryan, Monageer
2010 – Roscommon
2011 – Cloyne
2012 – Gibbons – Shannon
And there were more…

Seventeen statutory reports since 1980.

A litany of failure.

This is our history. It need not be our future.

This autumn there will be a Children’s referendum. The people of this state will be asked to enshrine the protection and rights of children in Bunracht Na hEireann.

This constitutional change, alongside the legislative change and service change which my Department and I are currently pursuing represents the single most important set of reforms that have ever been made in the history of child protection in Ireland.

Not just ‘symbolically’ important. Not just ‘legally’ important. Not just important in ‘principle’.

It is literally the most important move we can make to protect our children.
Because cumulatively these changes are about something more.
They’re about a cultural shift in our attitudes and behaviour.
They’re about fostering a culture where child protection is everyone’s responsibility.
All of us.

We have a nationally shameful record when it comes to protecting our children. We have, since the foundation of the state, failed huge numbers of our youngest and most vulnerable. And as those failures became clear we attributed blame to the most obvious targets.

Some perpetrators.
Some scapegoats.
Some who sinned by commission.
Some by omission
And some not at all.

But we as a nation felt that someone, or some entity had to be at fault.

Standards-led approach is central to enforcing a new culture of quality, effectiveness and accountability in our child protection system - Fitzgerald

An Taoiseach Enda Kenny T.D. is today launching the National Standards for the Protection and Welfare of Children of the HSE Children and Family Services. The Standards are based on the HSE’s responsibilities as set out in Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children and were developed by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) and approved by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald T.D.

Describing the Standards as part of an ongoing reform agenda, the Minister stated that they are focused on creating better outcomes for children and will deliver greater consistency in child protection and welfare services nationally.

Welcoming their publication, Minister Fitzgerald stated: “For decades the child protection system has chased symptoms. We have seen children with problems, or in care, or jail, or in the worst cases children have, tragically, died. And we have said ‘what caused this?’ and have tried to trace the source of the problem. Now we are moving to a system where we will interrogate the system in the absence of evident failure.


“We are effectively building a new architecture for child protection. These new National Standards for the Protection and Welfare of Children set out, for the first time ever, the key features of an effective child protection service. An Taoiseach has shown his commitment to my Department’s ongoing change agenda by launching these Standards, a key element of this Governments’ wider reform programme.

“From now on, HIQA will constantly and consistently monitor and interrogate the services being provided to our nation’s children. The critical aspect of these Standards is that they will be tested, checked, assessed and audited. That is a radical step forward.

“We are absolutely clear on the results of systemic failure. We see families torn apart, childhoods ended, adulthoods destroyed before they begin. We have had 17 major statutory reports on child protection failings since 1980 in this country, the most recent being the Report of the Independent Child Death Review. We must, through our new Agency, create efficiency and excellence out of systemic chaos.

Clondalkin Robbery to Stay on the Govt Agenda- Fitzgerald

Local TD and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, has condemned today’s armed robbery on Clondalkin’s Bank of Ireland branch on Newlands Road. At approximately 10am just after the bank had opened, three armed and masked men entered the bank. The men then ordered the staff to hand over their tills amounting to €3, 000.

“I am shocked by the events that happened today and more so that this has been the 7th such incident in recent days. I understand that all those who were in the bank at the time are physically unharmed but the fright that they received will take a while to heal. My thoughts are with all those involved today,” said Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald has assured that these recent robberies will remain on the Government’s agenda with Minister Alan Shatter set to meet with the Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan this week.

“I understand that my colleague, Minister Shatter, will be discussing these robberies along with the Phoenix Park stabbings with Commissioner Callinan. Over the past two weeks, the public’s attention has been on this recent spate of crimes and Commissioner Callinan believes that there will be arrests made over the coming days,” said Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald and Delaney Lodge Objection to Proposed Clondalkin Takeaway

Local TD and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald TD, has joined her colleague, Councillor Tony Delaney, in objecting to a new takeaway on Tower Road. The proposed takeaway is to be located in the old Royal Bank of Scotland premises beside Clondalkin Travel and Dolcain Mall in the heart of Clondalkin Village.



“Clondalkin Village has no shortage of take away outlets with 17 already in operation in the immediate vicinity. I am joining Councillor Delaney in objecting to this development as it is our belief that another takeaway in the area would be unsustainable, create litter and potential antisocial behaviour. I also believe that having another takeaway so close to existing primary schools would be a real issue,” said Fitzgerald.



Minister Fitzgerald has a strong track record in objecting to takeaways located beside schools having successfully objected to a takeaway beside Griffeen Valley Educate Together as well as recently supporting Hillcrest residents in their objection to a takeaway located beside Scoil Mhuire, Arlie Heights in Lucan.



“I recently opposed a planning application for a take-away facility in Hillcrest on the basis of its proximity to the school and youth services. This proposed takeaway is only yards away from St. John’s National School as well as being close to schools in the Village such as Moyle Park, St. Joseph’s, Scoil Mhuire, Scoil Áine and Scoil Mhuire. I have been working nationally to promote the need not to locate new takeaway facilities adjacent to schools in light of the obesity crisis facing children,” said Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald Awards Graduation Certs to ‘The Get Ahead Club’ Students

Local TD and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, presented graduation certificates to 60 children from 3^rd Class across North Clondalkin and Balgaddy in acknowledgement of their hard work in The Get Ahead Club programme.

The Get Ahead Club, through after-school groups, breakfast clubs and summer and Easter programmes, aims to increase children’s participation in education. Over two years, the children involved learnt to develop good homework patterns, good school attendance, and positive relationships with their peers and adults.

Speaking at the graduation, Minister Fitzgerald was impressed by the children’s hard work stating, “As Minister for Children and Youth Affairs it is always a great joy to have the opportunity to meet with such hard working young people. It is vitally important for children to take every opportunity to learn and do as well as possible in school. These children have taken that opportunity and I congratulate them for their hard work in getting to this graduation ceremony.”

Minister Fitzgerald also paid tribute to the club’s Project Coordinator Rita Sweeney, the schools involved, all the volunteers and the families. “The families have been an integral part of the success of the work of the project to help support their children’s education and development. I am glad to see so many proud parents here today who have helped their children in this fantastic achievement,” said Fitzgerald.

In her capacity of Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Minister Fitzgerald has committed to make resources available resources to ensure that young people get every chance to achieve their educational potential. During this school year, her Department  has committed  €667k to the School Completion Programme areas (Collinstown SCP and Quarryvale/Balgaddy SCP) covered by the Get Ahead Club of which €160k goes to the Get Ahead Club itself.

Mortgage arrears measures will help keep local families in their homes- Fitzgerald

Local Fine Gael TD and Minister for Children, Frances Fitzgerald, has welcomed a range of measures announced by Government to assist people who are in mortgage arrears. The measures are aimed at allowing families who are in mortgage difficulty to stay in their homes, and providing advice and incentives for people with unsustainable mortgages.  

The measures taken by the Government to assist those in mortgage difficulty include: the Personal Insolvency Bill, the Mortgage to Rent Scheme and information and guidance resources for at risk mortgage holders. In addition lenders have suggested options to the Central Bank for mortgage arrears resolution measures such as split mortgages.

“The measures introduced this week are an effort to assist families and individuals who are facing difficulties in repaying their mortgages. Each family or individual in mortgage arrears faces unique difficulties and with that in mind it’s appropriate that the Government has created a range of solutions to help mortgage holders in difficulty.  

“The Personal Insolvency Bill will allow people who are insolvent, including mortgage holders, to resolve their situation over a defined period. The Mortgage to Rent Scheme is aimed at the most distressed mortgage holders and involves the mortgage holder becoming, in effect, a social housing tenant whereby the State will, where necessary, subsidise the rent. This measure will allow people who are extremely exposed to remain within their own homes instead of facing repossession.

Fitzgerald Raises Scoil Áine's Green Flag

Local TD and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, joined Scoil Áine Primary School, Clondalkin, and raised their second Green Flag.

“I was delighted to celebrate this important achievement for Scoil Áine. A lot of work went into achieving this second flag with the students learning how to reduce, reuse and recycle. As well as fostering an understanding of their environment, the Green Flag programme helps the school community bond together and reduce energy bills too,” said Fitzgerald.


The Green Flag is an award for schools participating in the Green Schools Programme where pupils learn how to be more environmentally aware.


“As always, children are really putting us adults to shame with their knowledge and positive action to help protect our environment. They have assured me that they will make sure that they will bring their new information home and make sure that their families become more eco- aware too,” said Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald Calls on Local Clothing Stores to Sign up to New Childrenswear Guidelines

Local T.D., Minister Frances Fitzgerald TD, has launched new Retail Ireland Childrenswear Guidelines which she states will help “protect childhood space.”


“Irish childhood has changed dramatically in recent years; and it continues to change. As a society, we have a responsibility to make sure that those changes are positive for our children. Some things are not the same for adults and children. Never have been, never will be. This includes clothes with suggestive slogans, overtly sexual cuts and styles and unreal or unbalanced portrayals of an 'ideal' body-image,” said Frances Fitzgerald.
“That is why earlier this year, as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, I invited the Irish fashion retail sector to develop a set of guidelines on the retailing of childrenswear to help children, and their parents, preserve the special space that is childhood, in its age appropriateness, its normality and its innocence. In conjunction with Retail Ireland, I officially launched these Guidelines last week and am now calling on local shops in Clondalkin and Lucan to sign up to this campaign,” continued Fitzgerald.


“Since taking office, I have begun implementing a whole raft of measures to enhance Ireland’s culture of child protection. An important part of that is enabling children to enjoy this wonderful period in their lives without being pressurised to grow up too soon, or to want to look grown up,” said Fitzgerald.  

Minister Frances Fitzgerald TD publishes Report of the Independent Child Death Review Group 2000-2010

Current Government reform agenda an essential response to legacy of child protection failures - Minister

• Minister extends sympathy to bereaved families
• New Child and Family Support Agency operational from January next
• Minister announces intention to reform law on aftercare


The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald TD has published the Report of the Independent Child Death Review Group. In her response, the Minister states that “the current government reform agenda represents an essential response to legacy of child protection failures.


The report, authored by Dr. Geoffrey Shannon and Norah Gibbons, gives details of the 196 children who died over the period 2000-10, both of natural and unnatural causes. The children in the report include children who were in the care of the state at the time of their death, young adults who were in aftercare and other children who were not in care but were known to the HSE.

Speaking at the publication of the report, Minister Fitzgerald said; “Before this Government took office; there was conflicting data about the numbers of children who died in state care. The lack of transparency and the lack of accountability, shocked. It was utterly unacceptable that the state could not even tell how many children had died in state care.

The Minister stated that this report now gives clarity on this vital issue. There were 112 children who died of unnatural causes; 17 of whom were in care, 27 of whom were in receipt of aftercare and 68 of whom were not in care, but were in some way known to the HSE child and family services. The children and young adults in this report died from a range of causes. Some died from a range of illnesses, 4 died of accidental drowning; 5 died in house fires; 17 died from road traffic accidents; 16 were unlawfully killed; and at least 28 died by suicide.

Fitzgerald invites YOU to help shape Government policy

Local T.D. and Minister for Children & Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, has asked parents, youth workers and young people of Lucan, Clondalkin, Palmerstown, Newcastle and Rathcoole to let her know their views on how Government can help improve the lives of young people.

“I want to hear the ideas and opinions of people interested in improving young people’s lives and I’ll be using those suggestions to help shape Government policy. The consultation I launched this week will be open until 6th July and will help inform the Children & Young People’s Policy Framework which I’m currently drafting. This Framework will set out the Government’s high level policies and priorities in relation to children and young people for the next five years,” explained Frances Fitzgerald.

“I’m asking all children and young people in our area to take the time to let me know their views. From young people and adult leaders in youth cafes in Rathcoole right through to Palmerstown, people in community centres in Clondalkin and Lucan, trainers in GAA clubs and sporting organsiations right across the area, teachers in drama and dance; please take the time to log on and let me know your views to help shape national policy,” continued Fitzgerald.

“This online consultation is open to all young people, children, parents and people who work or volunteer with children and young people and I’m particularly hopeful that our local children, clubs and organisations will engage in this process. I’m giving young people and anyone interested in improving young people’s lives, the opportunity to help inform Government Policy by engaging in this Consultation,” said Minister Fitzgerald.

“To play your part in shaping Government policy on issues affecting young people, simply log on and complete the Consultation process,” said Minister Fitzgerald.

People wishing to get involved in this process are being asked to log on to www.dcya.gov.ie/Consultation-2012 or follow the links on the right hand side of the screen.

“The Department of Children & Youth Affairs now also has an online presence in the social network scene; you can link in with our Consultation2012 Twitter and Facebook pages. I do hope you’ll take the time to log on and have your say,” added Minister Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald Raises Clondalkin’s First Active School Flag

Clondalkin’s first ever Active School Flag was presented by Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, to St. Mary’s SNS in Rowlagh at a packed assembly on Friday.

The staff and children of the school were joined by parents to celebrate their achievement of receiving Clondalkins’ first ever Active School Flag award. The flag is given to schools in recognition of their physically active and physically educated ethos and so far 110 schools nationwide have been awarded this Flag.

Former Olympic Athlete, Eamon Coghlan & Minister Fitzgerald Launch Rathcoole Olympics

The London Olympics are facing a serious challenge this year, as preparations begin for the Rathcoole Olympics. Former Olympic Athlete Eamonn Coughlan, and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, this week launched the concept which aims to transform the village of Rathcoole into an Olympic haven for the weekend of 22th and 23rd of June.

“I was delighted to launch this fantastic initiative and who better to join me in the Park to kick things off than former Olympic athlete Senator Eamonn Coghaln,” said Minister Frances Fitzgerald.

Minister Frances Fitzgerald Opens St Joseph’s Physics Mural

Minister for Children & Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, this week officially opened a ceramic mural in St. Joseph’s College in Lucan. The ceramic stone wall mural depicts the journey of physics through the ages and is a creation of girls from the school’s art class who worked under the guidance of their Art Teacher Niamh Garvey and artist Niamh Sinnott.

“I’m delighted to officially open this fantastic mural which has been an education to all of us and will continue to educate students here in St. Joseph’s for decades to come. An awful lot of work was needed to get this project from the brainstorming sheets on the wall here to the colourful, ceramic journey through history on this wall,” said Minister Frances Fitzgerald.

Minister Launches Liffey Sound FM Series focused on Lucan’s Diaspora

Minister Frances Fitzgerald was on hand to officially launch a radio documentary series focusing on Lucan’s Diaspora. The concept, a brain child of Maria Murphy, has been turned into a five part series which will be broadcast on Liffey Sound FM during the week of June 11th.

“It’s’ great to be here today to launch such a fantastic project. I’m well aware of the worthwhile service Liffey Sound FM provides to the listeners and community of Lucan and this new series is another example of your ability to think up new projects and explore issues of real importance to families in our area,” said Minister Frances Fitzgerald.

“Unfortunately, emigration is a story all too familiar to many families in Lucan and while some people leave by choice in search of adventure others have found themselves in a situation where they were left with little choice. This series will be following the stories of people who have left for a variety of reasons and who now live in a variety of countries. It’s a tribute to the journalistic talents of Maria and the team here in Liffey Sound FM to have been able to track down so many people on each continent and convinced them to tell us their story,” said Minister Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald launches Show Me I.D - Be Age OK Awareness Week

Local TD and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald TD, has today launched the ‘Show me I.D- Be Age OK’ . The aim of the campaign is to prevent the sale of age restricted products to underage minors. As part of the initiative, resource materials and a staff training programme are available on www.showmeid.ie which aims to advise retailers how to avoid the underage sale of tobacco products.

Speaking at the event, Minister Frances Fitzgerald welcomed the campaign saying “It is an extremely valuable step in preventing the sale of age restricted products to children. It is important to assist those at the front line, the retailers, by giving them easy access to support materials and information. I am very pleased that all trade associations involved have been able to do this with the Show Me I.D- Be Age OK campaign”.

Minister Pays Tribute to Achievements of Clondalkin Traveller Development Group

Minister Frances Fitzgerald T.D. this week met with the Clondalkin Traveller Development Group. The Group which works with 1,100 travellers in the area of Clondalkin and Newcastle recently opened a Bike Shed aimed at encouraging male travellers to use their services.

Fitzgerald Presents Prestigious Gaisce Awards to nine Clondalkin Students

Local Fine Gael T.D., Minister Frances Fitzgerald, was on hand to celebrate the conferring of bronze Gaisce medals to nine Clondalkin students in Moyle Park this week.

Speaking at the event, Minister Frances Fitzgerald, who presented the awards, said it was great to be invited to attend such a positive celebration of local young people. She paid tribute to the students on their achievement and to the staff and parents who had supported them throughout the programme.

Neil O'Gorman, Aiden O'Reilly, Randy Mazingu, Raymond Onwunali, Alexandra, Aionitoaei, Shane Hanevy, Ben Flood, Séan O'Connor and Mohammed Abdullah completed the challenging programme over the course of a year and under the leadership of their PAL Roisin McGowan, who herself was the last Clondalkin student to achieve the prestigious Gaisce medal.

“I know each of you challenged yourself enormously this year and it is a real testament not just to your determination and abilities but also to your commitment to your community and your environment,” Minister Fitzgerald told the nine boys who received the award.

Minister Fitzgerald Congratulates Local Young Social Innovators

Minister Frances Fitzgerald has paid tribute to the students of Collinstown Park College who were involved in a project showcased at the national Young Social Innovators conference held in City West this week. The event which attracted over 3,500 students from right around the country was a massive success and guests were wowed by the exhibits of the young social innovators who were addressed by the President, Michael D. Higgins and serenaded by musician ‘Mundy’.

“As Minister for Children and Youth Affairs I have attend many conferences but I can say without a shadow of a doubt that the Young Social Innovators conference is by far the most fun conference I attend,” said Minister Frances Fitzgerald who presented an award at the event.

“The enthusiasm and the participation from the young people is always palpable and as a representative of Lucan and Clondakin I am delighted that so many local schools take part in this initiative,” continued Frances Fitzgerald.

Lucan Students Presented with ECO UNESCO Award by local Minister, Frances Fitzgerald

"I was delighted to open the ceremony for the ECO UNESCO Young Environmentalist awards in the Mansion House and pleased to see my own area represented among the winners," said Frances Fitzgerald, Minister for Children & Youth Affairs.

Students from St. Joseph’s Community College in Lucan were among those recognised at the awards ceremony. They were the joint winners of the Junior ECO-Art and Design Award for their project Eco-Warriors: Our Action/The Reaction

"Students from Lucan’s St Joseph’s College were presented with an award in recognition of their efforts to make Ireland a greener country. The Young Environmentalist awards are a great way of creating awareness of the need to be more environmentally friendly and as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs I look forward to supporting this initiative," concluded Frances Fitzgerald.

Minister Fitzgerald delivered an uplifting speech at the awards ceremony congratulating over 600 young environmentalists present for their work among their peers, their schools and youth groups, and their wider communities.

Adoption Authority Announcements

A Vietnamese delegation is travelling to Ireland on week commencing the 25th June to advance the administrative agreement presented to the Vietnamese Ministry of Justice in January of this year.

A delegation from the Adoption Authority of Ireland will travel to New Delhi on the 18th June to discuss adoption arrangements between the Adoption Authority and CARA, the central authority in India.