Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have a couple of questions. On the pilot programme in Barnardos, although maybe this is more a question for the Department, are the witnesses aware if it is hoped to roll it out further? Is it just Dublin, Wexford and Waterford? I have a feeling they might be inundated even after people listen today. There really was a gap in the system. I find, as I am sure do other members, that people are coming to us. I am always very conscious that they might be in a difficult situation, but for me the primary focus is what is in the best interest of the child. Very often people will not like what you have to say about that. They are difficult situations you are dealing with. It is very hard to know where to point parents apart from the legal road. We all know the complications with that and the cost. Sometimes people are told they are not eligible for legal aid or they do not require a solicitor. There are all sorts of barriers. Parents' advocacy is great, but I also have an element of sympathy for the witnesses because I think there are going to be so many queries. From their own point view, I imagine they would like to see it rolled out more, with more support staff and resources. I would like them to say a bit more on that.

I have another question that maybe nobody has an answer to. In some of the cases I have come across, I find that once a child goes into care, there is seldom reunification. I have never seen a situation in all my years as a Deputy and as a councillor where there has been reunification. I think that is where the grief element is coming from. Nobody is saying it but everybody knows that it seldom happens. I am wondering if there are any statistics around reunification that could be sent on, even if they are not available today. I know when kids get older and reach their later teenage years or the age of 18, they might choose themselves. Is it very common in general?