Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Yes, but would the Minister not agree that this is an important opportunity to ensure we have universal application of the highest standards across the board? I do not know that this is a good thing.

I understand that there would be resistance to it across the sector. However, we should not expect less to apply in any situation, particularly with regard to 58L(c), where three children of different families are being taken care of. That is a commercial operation rather than familial or neighbourly support for a single family, as is suggested in 58L(b). Why are we cutting off at three and saying we will not apply the same standards, but we will where there are four or five children? I believe each child deserves the best standards and oversight. There is a strong view within the sector that regulation and the application of the highest standards is what is required.

We are missing an opportunity here to do something that is long overdue and which will have to be done at some time, and I am at a loss to understand why the Minister does not seize the moment.