Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Mr. Finlay said it costs €5,000 a week to keep a child in care and sometimes up to €10,000. To balance that statement and put it in context, however, more than 90% of the children in State care cost €300 a week.

I have many issues with the guardian ad litemsystem. I am a foster carer but it is disgusting that up to €15 million a year is paid to people to represent a child in court when I cannot access speech and language therapy for a child in my house who has difficulty speaking or access psychological services and supports for a child who is distracted by her home situation. This money gives children a voice in court but they need a voice and supports every day of the week. If what I have read it true, it is deplorable. How many guardians ad litemdoes Barnardos have?