James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I pointed out that 92% of children in the care of the State are in foster families. That is way above international norms and reflects extremely well on the service.

Like the Deputy, I thank the many who volunteer to be foster parents and who give homes to children. It is a reflection on the quality of that care that many of the children leave school and go to third level, and that many stay on with their foster parents after their commitment at reaching age 18 has finished. That shows the strength of the bonds built up between the foster family and the child.

There are a small number who, as the Deputy has acknowledged, are seriously challenging. Residential care is always the last option. Of course, early intervention is a key part of addressing this, as are social supports for families who themselves having difficulties parenting.

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