Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The Minister will be aware there has been great concern in relation to this area for quite a number of reasons that we have articulated here in the past and, indeed, shared. The logical question is whether there is ongoing monitoring of these young people as they make their way through very difficult years into adult life. Is there ongoing monitoring of the level of support? Where the supports were provided, were they appropriate and successful? Did they ensure and guarantee that those young people had at least the comparable opportunity to prepare for the challenges of later years as those placed in foster homes, the greater number of whom would remain in those foster care settings where there is already a strong bonding and relationship with the family unit? I am concerned at the absence of a statutory right to aftercare. Does the Minister plan to ensure this right is provided for? We teased out this issue during a protracted engagement on previous legislation last year. I believe it is something that is absolutely required and I would be interested to hear what she has to tell us in respect of the profile of supports and care provided to the 20 young people of whom she has advised the House.

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