Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I want to speak briefly, not necessarily to the amendments but in general as this is our last Stage of this Bill, as the Minister has said. It is a welcome development that a lot of younger people cannot believe the old system of wardship is the way things were done in this country. There have been concerns expressed at various Stages, including on Committee Stage, and some of those concerns have been taken on board. There might be some issues to be teased out as the legislation passes. The Decision Support Service will have a key role and interest in consultation and education on the new system and in letting people know and advising them of it. If there are any teething problems or difficulties, it will probably have a key role in that as well. This is definitely a step in the right direction. It is an understatement to say that. The wardship system could not be justified now in any way, shape or form, so it is good it is progressing to this.

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