John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

I thank the Minister of State for outlining these proposals in detail. He will have the full support of the House for this Bill. I will not speak for long because most of the issues have been covered.

One of the main functions of this legislation is to ensure foster carers are not obliged to obtain permission to seek medical or dental treatment or immunisation for a child, or to allow the child to travel abroad for a school trip, for example. The proposals in this Bill will prevent the stigmatisation of foster children. We cannot underestimate the feelings of alienation of foster children among their peer group. It can be painful for them if they are placed further outside the loop because of issues like this. The legislation closes that gap which is welcome.

In the Seanad the Minister of State saluted the work of foster parents. All Members should pay tribute to foster families. We were reminded how important their work is when we learned that the children of the recently murdered Latvian lady were to be put in foster care. One can only imagine the trauma these children are suffering. We ought to bear in mind the difficulties with which their foster parents will have to contend. These children are now without their mother and with people they do not know. Likewise, the new foster parents are with strange children with whom they will try to forge a bond in difficult circumstances. This legislation breaks down bureaucratic barriers for simple matters in fostering, allowing foster children to feel more at one with their foster parents.

The Minister of State claimed the Bill's proposals would give young people in foster care a sense of belonging in a foster family. He referred to the adoption of the Hague Convention and the adoption authority Bill. This legislation will establish the Adoption Board as an independent statutory body known as the adoption authority. When will this Bill be published, as it is an important part of family law?

The Minister of State stated he sought the advice of the Attorney General on the issue of the HSE's powers with regard to third party abuses as raised in the Ferns Report. The HSE had general powers under the Child Care Act 1991 regarding third party abuse. An in-depth study on the HSE's powers in this area has been undertaken and the Minister of State is considering legislative proposals. Will he outline the proposals he has in mind? When discussing the protection of our children, this is an important issue.

I compliment the Minister of State on the Bill. If a strong body of legislation to protect our children can be brought together, we will all, particularly the Minister of State, have done the State some service.

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