Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senators for their contributions to the debate. I welcome the fact that the Seanad has had a discussion on the subject of fostering because it is important.

Senator Feighan made a good point that there is still an air of mystery about this subject among the public and that people do not appreciate how important fostering has become in our child care system. Before the enactment of Child Care Act, it was on an informal footing. When children are taken into care, the ideal solution is to find a fostering placement. This has become important in our child care system. As Senator Glynn pointed out, it is remarkable that it has taken until now for us to formulate the bible of standards to which he referred. It is tremendous that we now have it at hand.

Senator Feighan drew attention to the fact there was formerly an unwillingness to foster but that the financial incentives are far greater now and they have created a much better environment in which people look at the options of fostering. It is important to stress that in addition to the financial incentives which have been fully agreed upon following the enactment of this year's Social Welfare Act, which provided for a unified payment and has deemed children who are orphans not to be orphans when in a fostering placement, there are important altruistic incentives which were highlighted in the recent study by the Northern Area Health Board. Those who foster children enjoy fostering and derive positive benefit from doing so. It is important to stress this.