James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is not easy. I am very pleased to say that the average vetting time has fallen considerably, from something like 16 weeks down to about six weeks.

The Senator mentioned homelessness. Focus Ireland has said that it is aware that between 25 and 30 young adults nationally are at risk of homelessness who are in hostel accommodation and have a care background. It is also aware that there are between 450 and 500 children each year at risk. This means between 2,500 and 3,000 young people have left care in the past six years. A Bill will be introduced. We are working on legislation to make sure that every child has an aftercare plan for when they leave care. We have all heard of the tragic situations that occur when children leave care where, for all intents and purposes, they fall off a cliff.

Before we break for a vote I want to say that there are no children under 18 years homeless on our streets. They are either in care or an approved supported lodgings or residential accommodation.

I wish to say the following before everyone races to exercise their democratic right. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform brought to Cabinet this week a piece of legislation on the rates issue. The bottom line is that not-for-profit organisations will be treated the same as charity.