Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Senator. I want to be entirely supportive of foster care. It is the right solution for children. As I said earlier, 87.2% of children in care are in the foster care system and I want to see even more than that in it because I think it is the right environment for them.

Distinct to that, the Senator talked about the aftercare. It is, as she said, tied to education. I am happy to look at everything and anything, to be honest, but the Senator is talking to a former Minister for Education here now. I will be straight up and say that I have an abiding loyalty to and respect for the education system and the opportunity it might provide, but no one system or box suits everybody. That is why I would like to see young people get the opportunity, whether it is apprenticeships, further or higher education or whatever kind of education it is. I am happy to look because there will always be exceptions where things might not be as straightforward. I want to be honest about my loyalties to the whole education thing. It is the greatest leveller of all, and I say that with more than 25 years' experience working in the world of education.

On the recruitment of staff, it is hugely important - not just recruitment but the retention of the staff we currently have there. We are doing a body of work to ensure there is greater opportunity there.

With regard to early years in the public model, yes, we are committed to that. I want to be clear that it is alongside the support for providers, to give the maximum. The public model will be an important model. The Senator asked-----