Mr. Wayne Dignam:

I will wrap up quickly. The key to supporting the child in care in the education system is shared knowledge and understanding, good communication, and consistent, positive relationships. Teachers are seeking training and support in this area, but the Department of Education and Skills has yet to acknowledge its responsibility in respect of this very vulnerable group formally. Listening to children, care leavers and their teachers and carers would then help to develop policies and practices that would support children and young people in care to realise their potential in education. The knock-on positive effects would change many lives.