Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I move amendment No. 6:

In page 3, line 30, to delete "five" and substitute "three".

The Bill provides that a foster parent or relative who has cared for a child for a continuous period of five years — the child having, in the first instance, been placed with him or her by the Health Service Executive — may apply for a court order for increased autonomy in respect of the care of the child. Concerns were raised in the Upper House that the period of five years is too long. It was suggested that it should be shortened, that it should not have to be a strictly continuous period and that it should cater for short interruptions. I welcome the fact that the Minister has accepted changes on the points of continuity and that there is now provision for short breaks and interruptions in care. However, the five-year requirement has been retained. I urge the Minister to reconsider this point and that is the purpose of my amendment.

The point was made repeatedly that in the life of a child five years is a very long period of time. It can, for instance, represent the entirety of attendance at primary school or at secondary school where no transition year is involved. From the interest of the child and the care provider, whether foster parent or relative guardian, the time should be shortened and three years is a more appropriate period. The Minister of State went some considerable way to address the concerns reflected in these Houses on this matter. I again take the opportunity to encourage him to revisit the five-year ruling and to shorten it to three years.

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