Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her earlier response. I want to press this issue. I have read section 14 that outlines the provision for vulnerable children and, unfortunately, I must walk away from this provision with a heavy heart because everybody will use this legislation as a guide, particularly in terms of vulnerable families.

I am articulating the case for children in difficult family circumstances to be allowed to remain in child care services until the next natural break. I am winding on from where I started when I sought financial support for a child to remain in the child care services for a period of three months to a proposal that he or she remain until there is a natural break in the cycle. In the child care setting it is all about the ritual from Halloween, Christmas parties, the spring break to Easter. There is a sense of completion and finality in remaining until the end of term and not leaving at the end of a week. I know that it is a 38 week cycle. I am not looking for a child to remain for the total cycle but to finish when there is a natural break. We all know of the psychological impact of achievement which enables families to say they finished the term, as opposed to walking away mid-stream which in the long term has a detrimental effect.

I will withdraw the amendment, but I will be looking to see what the Minister will do to address the issue on Report Stage.