Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

There may have been another amendment on one of the key points, the length of time. While I welcome the Aire Stáit's clarification, I recommend that he reconsider the length of time. Five years is a long time, one third of a child's growth years from infancy to young adulthood at 18 years, and may be too long in this context.

The case of grandparents who look after their grandchildren has been highlighted previously here and we have called for more support for them. In many cases, grandparents are looking after the children of their children, particularly in areas of Dublin city, but it is not confined to them. Even in a rural constituency such as mine, I know of grandparents who are the primary carers because, sadly, their children have succumbed to the scourge of drug addiction. They need every support in their work of care, including legal protection as well as financial and welfare support from all the relevant agencies. I again appeal to the Government to give special attention to this special category of carers. I echo what other speakers have said in this regard.

Tribute should be paid to the thousands of people who take children into foster care and give of themselves and their families to provide the love, attention and support all children need and deserve. The Irish Foster Care Association provides a network for foster parents and highlights their work. I commend its endeavours. While the vast majority of foster parents provide excellent care, as with all adults with power over children, there is always the danger of abuse. We must ensure the systems are firmly in place to guarantee that no child would be placed in a dangerous situation. However, as we know, abuse has happened and does happen.

I previously made representations to the Minister of State, which he may recall, regarding a case of alleged abuse brought to my attention. This case highlights the need for attention to be paid to the plight of those who "may" have been subject to abuse while in foster care. We have no idea how widespread this may have been, especially in times when such abuse was much more hidden than it is today, and given the large numbers of children who have been placed in foster care over many years.

The Minister of State should explore setting up a scheme of redress for people who suffered abuse while in foster care. The precedent has been set with the Residential Institutions Redress Board. The care of these children was entrusted by the State to institutions and foster parents and the State must accept its responsibility. The Minister of State might commence with an investigation of this issue and then initiate action as appropriate. I look forward to hearing from him in that regard. The first step would be to invite those who may be affected to come forward and to consult with them directly, as, for example, in the case which I recently highlighted to the Minister of State.

In addressing the Bill I am struck by the need for the State to inform people of their rights, as children, parents, carers — including foster carers — under the Constitution and in terms of the whole range of family law. Sadly, in most cases, people only become aware of their rights and obligations when a problem arises. I urge the Minister to examine this need to inform people of their rights and to act accordingly.

I welcome the Bill and look forward to further legislation in the related area of adoption which we have highlighted at various opportunities on the Order of Business. Overall, we need to develop a progressive framework of laws that fully vindicate the rights of children and of all those who care for them.

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