Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 12:

In page 5, between lines 18 and 19, to insert the following:

"(7) Where a consent is given under subsection (6), the foster parent or relative of the child shall inform the Health Service Executive as soon as may be reasonable.".

I raised this point on Committee Stage. The purpose of the Bill is to give foster parents more autonomy. However, even with these increased powers, foster parents should be obliged to keep a written record of any serious medical procedures the child requires. We will go from a situation where foster parents must inform the HSE to not informing it. A half-way house should exist.

Last week, the Minister mentioned a report on foster care. However, from speaking with foster parents I understand it is not strictly enforced. While what the Minister stated may be correct in theory, in practice it is open to abuse. It would be no harm to keep a written record of serious medical procedures or admissions to hospital for surgical or psychiatric reasons.