Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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I wish to make a comment on what Ms Clarke said. It is a real tribute to foster parents that the 18 year olds in so many cases stay with the family despite probably very little support. The point Deputy Ó Laoghaire was making that there should be possibilities of working with local authorities, in terms of such matters as housing extensions, is something we should recommend. It is more of a cross-departmental issue.

I welcome the evidence of progress that we have seen on these issues this morning. The fact the Minister reappointed Dr. Geoffrey Shannon as the rapporteur for child protection was a positive decision because of his outstanding contribution. We all saw that here last week when he gave evidence to the committee. I share the issue that was raised by everybody around whether he can tender for this job and I note the Minister indicating that he can. That maybe clarifies something. I hope we will not be considered to have prejudiced the situation.

I particularly welcome what I think is progress on the out of hours and 24 hour services. The ISPCC, in particular, has a strong concern about that.