Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

I thank Senators for their contributions. The main objective of the Bill is to safeguard the best interests of children who are in need of special care, as we have been discussing. What is being enshrined in the Bill will support the achievement of that. Special care is a last resort but it is an important part of child care which does meet the express needs of a very small number of children. It is only used when other forms of residential or community care are considered to be unsuitable. It is appropriate that these cases should continue to be presented to and determined by the High Court. That will allow for the consistent, well managed and structured presentation and consideration of the applications which come before the court for special care orders. I thank Senators for their response and their support for the amendments.