Tom Brabazon (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank everybody for their very insightful presentations this morning on this very important issue. Listening to the contributions, it seems kinship care and the work that kinship carers do is far preferable to State care. One of the most important things anybody can give to a child is love, and if you are family member, you are going to give that child love. The witnesses are doing very important work and whatever supports they need they should be given, as should the carers. Whatever is there should be bolstered to enhance and maximise its effect.

I have a number of questions and I will direct them to EPIC because they stem from the presentation. It was stated there are other ways forward to improve services for those actively in addiction, and reference was made to more diversion options being available to the courts. Will the witnesses expand on this? What is meant by more diversion options? Are there any particular suggestions in this regard? It was also said there is a need for bespoke drug detox and rehabilitation services designed specifically to meet the needs of care-experienced children. What would that look like? As other speakers have done, I thank Ms Rice for her profound contribution today.