Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The Minister of State's observation in respect of the Ombudsman for Children's own arguments and the particular section that I cited is important. In the amendments tabled, it is clear in respect of section 45(1)(a) that what Members seek is that:

Where a child leaves the care of the Health Service Executive, the Executive shall, in accordance with subsection (2), assist him or her for so long as the Executive is satisfied as to his or her need for assistance and, subject to paragraph (b), he or she has not attained the age of 21 years.

The exception to this pertains to educational pursuits already undertaken and they may not have been concluded by the age of 21. However, it is clear that what Members here seek to do is to require the HSE to provide after care where the case is clear and where the need is present, obvious and identified. This would be a hugely important step that would help enormously to avoid some of the serious tragedies of which Members are cognisant, as well as the many of which they are not. I cannot recall the exact phrase but many, on attaining the age of 18, may bolt for the first door that opens and one does not know the direction they take or the story of life that will unfold for them over the following time. Members must ensure that as much as is humanly possible, the State provides for the most vulnerable among our number and these children most certainly are such. Moreover, a number of them will continue, after the age of 18, to require the best supports and guarantees that can be offered to help them face the lives before them.

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