Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

In regard to any deaths in the recent period, the Deputy will be aware that reports have been published and information is in the public arena on how many of those deaths were natural deaths. It is important to remind ourselves that non-natural and natural deaths of children under the age of 18 occur. They are reported on now immediately by the review mechanism and panel that is in place in the HSE, and that is only right. We are talking about further developing that mechanism.

In regard to after-care, it is important to acknowledge that the numbers receiving after-care have increased hugely from 847 in 2009 to 1,340 as of March 2012. Far more young people are receiving after-care and, clearly, more budgetary resources are being given to young people leaving care. After-care was an issue that was identified in the report. I intend to bring legislation forward, with advice from the Attorney General. As I said, I will bring it forward in the Bill to establish the Child and Family Support Agency to ensure that all children in care have an assessment of needs carried out before they are 18 years of age and that all children in care should be entitled to the supports they need. I have legal advice on this, as the Deputy will be aware, and I have discussed this matter with the Deputy and with Deputy Ó Caoláin on a number of occasions here and the position is that at present that obligation is on the HSE. Not every young person leaving care after the age of 18 will need after-care. The question is one of assessing those who do and ensuring that they get the service. I will seek to further clarify the obligations of the HSE in regard to after-care in further legislation later this year.

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