Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

The Minister of State's post is a difficult one because it could be divided into three sections. The infants' section could cover from birth to four years, four to 12 year olds could be classified as children and 12 to 18 year olds as adolescents. Five years is a short time in terms of an infant being fostered but it could be of far greater significance for those fostered later in life. Could we consider an amendment whereby, instead of a five-year rule for all foster children, allowances are made for teenagers or children over ten years of age who could wait a shorter period of, perhaps, three to four years? Will the Minister of State consider my proposal that the older the child, the less time a foster parent should be compelled to wait to apply for a court order giving more autonomy?