Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

The key question is whether aftercare for young people who have been in care should be provided for on a statutory basis. Obviously, there are responsibilities in this regard but too often in the past, once a young person had reached 18 years, that was the end of the responsibility. We know there has been significant informal contact between children who, for example, left children's homes or other facilities. Such contact should be more comprehensive than this. The question is how we can achieve that. Clearly, there are financial implications. Senator Norris was correct. It is extraordinary that Senator White's amendment, which is very comprehensive and inclusive, has been allowed despite the significant costs associated with it. If the State is to provide aftercare costs, as it should, there are financial implications.

This is a question of how we can implement the provision of aftercare. I believe that if the State has had a child in care, its obligation does not finish when the child reaches 18. To highlight the point made by Senator Norris, we must consider what the obligations are currently and how the situation is handled on the ground. Is there a directive in place to ensure as many resources as feasible are in place for young people who still need help? Would the Minister of State consider placing this on some form of statutory footing? That is what we are seeking to do in our amendments.

I pay tribute to the organisations involved. Young people in care had no voice for a long period. No one listened to them and they were neither represented nor organised. However, in recent years there has been a complete change in recent years, which is to be welcomed. Those to whom I refer now have a voice and they have been extremely forthright in outlining their needs. What we are trying to do is clarify what are the current obligations and discover whether the Minister of State is considering placing this on a statutory basis, whether in this legislation or elsewhere.