Ms Catherine Bond:

Foster carers have an onerous task and I would not request that any more layers be put on them. However, I would advocate for and support foster carers to prepare themselves in respect of what they bring to a foster-care review. We have offered training to foster carers in that regard lately and will continue to do so. That is very much around the foster carer who comes to the foster-care review being informed and knowledgeable, identifying continuing professional development needs and issues in the foster care placement and bringing solutions forward. The review involves a two-way relationship. It is a two-way process rather than simply a box-ticking exercise.

In respect of Garda vetting, the person who is charged with doing the vetting must provide the links to the vetting service. Someone will have to push that button to allow the foster carer to respond.