Marie Moloney (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister and his officials for the work they have done. I welcome the passage of the Bill. Like Senator van Turnhout, on Second Stage I outlined provisions that I would have liked to see included, but it is great that this process will be put on a statutory footing. I am always nervous about the resources available to the agency. I hope the funding will always be available to provide necessary and adequate aftercare for these children and young adults and that the necessary personnel will be put in place with the expertise that is needed. I welcome the proposal for additional inspectors, which we did not discuss very much because the provision of aftercare took over in the debate. The Minister stated on Second Stage that he would appoint additional child care inspectors.