Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Then we will have to find out who is doing this. In any event, the bottom line, in simple and straightforward terms, is that we need to get something appropriate within this legislation and if the Minister is going to knock me back on the basis of a potential charge, then no Opposition Deputy can progress the proposition.

The Minister gave a commitment to me in a previous debate that she would see to it that we would enshrine in future legislation the right of children in care to after-care. We went through all of this in a previous debate on the legislation on the floor of the House and I had hoped and anticipated that the previous debate would have been reflected in this legislation. Clearly, the proposal is only on the basis of need, it is not that it will necessarily have a universal take-up. Some young people will not want it or require it. However, in the preparation for attaining their 18th year, starting earlier than 17 years of age, if they are in care at that age, there should be an engagement with them to plan their future into young adulthood. Just as parents do in real terms with their own children in home settings, it should be a part of the natural outworking of the process where the State is the guardian of the child placed in a care setting. We must emulate the best practice of natural parents or guardians in helping young people to prepare for young adulthood and later life but we are not compelled to do it currently. This needs to be enshrined in legislation and this is why I am making an earnest re-appeal to the Minister. This was the core purpose of amendments Nos. 71 and 72 but I brought it down to a smaller case in amendment No. 72. I appeal to the Minister to take this up because otherwise it will be yet another lost opportunity.