Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Like the Minister, I and everybody else want the best care outcomes for all children, particularly those in foster care. I am not asking the Minister to direct or interfere in an intrusive manner but I ask for a degree of common sense, reflection and understanding of the greater role of grandparents. We all feel it because we are going the one way in age and ageism is such an issue. The Minister acknowledged the role grandparents play and I know Tusla acknowledges it as well but if there are other issues, it is very important that it is not left hanging out there and that age is the issue. This is where guidelines and better interaction and engagement with grandparents and foster parents on the part of social workers and Tusla officials to bring about better understanding come in. If there is no clarity or immediate understanding that there are other reasons, they obviously feel it is done on age grounds. If the children are then removed in some cases to the care of other foster families who are similar in age, it makes it more confusing. I am not here to knock Tusla but to say that I have received calls from all over the country. There needs to be some kind of robust appeals system, better engagement with people, explanation and understanding of the foster carer role. I would not for one minute condone any criticism of foster care. Like anyone, we understand how serious it is but we need more latitude and greater empathy with foster carers, particularly if they are grandparents because of the bond and family connections. As the Minister said, they pass on their heritage and ethnic status. There is no better place to do it than in the extended family, be they grandparents or great aunts or uncles.

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