Ms Lara Hynes:

The foster parent can apply only if there is a full care order. This will not apply to interim care order circumstances or voluntary care. Foster parents will have to apply for the facility; it will not be given automatically. A hearing will determine whether it is to be granted by the court. It is not automatic.

The Senator asked about disability. This is something we are considering in terms of the interagency element, the children and young people's services committees and the national childcare advisory committee. Disability is such an enormous issue that we would certainly keep that in mind.