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

Yes. The definition is very broad and once a child is in care of the State, it is effectively acting in loco parentis. Essentially, what is involved here is promoting the safety, well-being and welfare of children. That is very clearly spelled out in the legislation and it guides the work being done in respect of children in care. It is important that the Deputy has highlighted this matter. We have a very responsibility to the 6,000 plus children in the care of the State. One of the initiatives I want to take relates to the adoption of a cross-departmental view of children who are in care. In that context, I will ask the Departments of Health and the Environment, Community and Local Government, which deals with housing, to be aware of the needs of these children not just while they are in care, but when they leave it and are in aftercare. In the coming weeks I will be bringing to Government legislation to provide for a statutory right to assessment for aftercare in respect of children who have been in care.

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