Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I take the point about the 92% in foster care. The Minister stated the rate is high compared to other countries. I would be interested to know how we compare with other European countries that would be examples of good practice in social care services for children in care, such as Sweden.

The other key issue I want to raise is that after they reach the age of 18, when they leave the foster family or care service, we need to be vigilant because we cannot have a situation where at that age they are on their own out there in the broader society. Some of them do very well, and good luck to them, but many do not. As a result of serious hurt and damage in their early childhood, such young adults are often very vulnerable and end up in trouble. We need to focus on this over-18 age group and not give up on them.

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