Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We are looking at a process. There may well be wards who are ready to have themselves discharged as soon as the Bill is enacted. We are making it a three year period because there will be others who will need a longer timeframe. I would hate to think we would be back here in a year's time with the Courts Service telling us that we had introduced a measure that was completely unrealistic and that had overloaded the system. We need to do this well and right. A three year period is reasonable, particularly as it relates to those under 18 years and the need for a review of their wardship as soon as they reach 18. I will not, therefore, be able to accept Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn's amendment. I understand how he arrived at his position. Equally, I understand how the Opposition has to continuously press the Government, but this is a sensible provision.