Aideen Hayden (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I, too, congratulate the Minister on this extremely progressive measure. Having read a number of the historic reports, although not as historic as we would like, into the failures of the system to protect children, it was very clear that much criticism was levelled at the failure of agencies to work together. This legislation will go a long way to address that. I compliment my colleague, Senator van Turnhout, and many of the organisations which deal children and youth affairs, in particular Start Strong and Barnardos. I also congratulate the Joint Committee on Health and Children on the work it did in preparing the road for this Bill.

In regard to amendment No. 33, which we did not discuss, relating to the amendment of the Child Care Act 1991 and the after care of children leaving the care of the State, as the Minister knows, it is a particular concern of mine given the number of children post-care who end up in homeless provision - two thirds in the most recent statistics. I know the Minister has the approval of Cabinet to deal with this but will she make it an urgent priority?