Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will respond to the Deputy very briefly. I thank him for his words on the Government's decision, which was to provide a statutory underpinning for the assessment of need of children. Although we are not discussing the particular amendment, I must state that my proposal is to expand eligibility, including by extending the provision to children who are in care on a voluntary basis, not just children who are subject to a care order. Therefore, the provision will be broader. My proposals are intended to ensure the new provisions will be well integrated into the provisions that already exist on care planning. I have agreement from the Government in this regard. Officials are working on the draft heads of the Bill. I regard this as a priority given some of the stories we have heard about some of the personal experiences of young people who have had after-care. Having a statutory assessment of need available to children in care when they are around 16 would be very helpful in terms of planning their aftercare, and it should ensure better outcomes.

I will bring the legislation before the House at the earliest opportunity. The next Bill I am likely to bring to the House will be the Children First legislation or the legislation regarding Oberstown. Irrespective of which comes to the House first, I will ensure that the after-care legislation is part of it. That is a priority.

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