Aidan Farrelly (Kildare North, Social Democrats)

Can I ask one more question, if the Chair does not mind? It has been great to have this back and forth. I really appreciate it. I have one brief statement. The narrative seems to be kind of evolving on this side around the cost-benefit analysis of €750,000 per child in a special care arrangement. I have no direct experience of working in a setting like that myself but I have worked with young people and have experience of them. That cost is an investment in this child's welfare. They are often the most vulnerable and most at risk. If Tusla is saying, based on the information provided, that this cost is for 11 staff allocated to that young person, then this is wages. Simply put, that is wages. I would hate to see a headline coming from today that one child is costing the State €750,000. It is way more nuanced than that. We should give it the merit it deserves in that regard.

Can I ask about the status of the guardians ad litem? If this information is not forthcoming today I would appreciate a follow-up conversation. Where is the status of the guardian ad litem and what is happening? Does Tusla foresee any challenges for the independence of the role potentially? If I understand it correctly the role is accountable to the Minister.