Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

In doing so my intention is not to be controversial or to contravene Standing Orders. I refer to the appropriateness of ruling out of order the amendment in respect of after-care for children in State care. Now, almost at the conclusion of Report Stage, I take the opportunity to say I would have withdrawn my amendment if it had been allowed to stand, because I understand the Minister has successfully secured Cabinet agreement to introduce legislation to provide for a statutory assessment of all those with care needs after their 18th birthday - that is, on their maturity or their move from childhood to young adulthood. I very much welcome that and commend the Minister on that success. In light of my amendment, No. 31, I hope she will be able to address this in her response. The development strikes a very positive note at the conclusion of Report Stage of this Bill.

I hope that the Minister, in her response, might be able to indicate to us how quickly she expects the new legislation to be presented. Its publication is something we have long campaigned for. There are many interested voices across the non-governmental sector and among those who have been through State care, who, from their experiences, have been advocates of the introduction of such a statutory right. I would be grateful if the Minister could elaborate in so far as she can on the assurances we would like to hear and if she could state whether the development is all we have been led to believe.

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