James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senators for their contributions today and over the past two weeks. The Bill provides for an explicit requirement to prepare an aftercare plan in respect of a specified cohort of children and young people as they transition from State care. It puts aftercare planning on the same footing as other statutory obligations of the Child and Family Agency. The legislation underpins significant initiatives and reforms that have taken place in recent years, which have been developed with the goal of improving aftercare services to deliver better outcomes for young people leaving the care of the State.

The Bill attempts to take account of the need for a degree of nuance in planning for leaving care that is appropriate and sensitive to the young person's needs. I note the issue around siblings and, as one of 11 children, I would not underestimate the importance of that. Most importantly, the child or young person will have a central role in the development of the aftercare plan, which is critical at a time when we say we want to respect our young people and our children and we want them to be involved and able to contribute. Nothing could be more important from their point of view than being able to contribute to the plan that affects them so centrally and personally.

I pay tribute to the House for the manner in which the Bill has been welcomed and for the constructive comments and contributions given here. A number of issues were raised, including the question of providing aftercare support to young people in full-time education beyond the age of 23 and agreeing aftercare plans in advance of the deadline stipulated in the legislation. Our discussion of these and other topics raised has been fruitful. I would also like to acknowledge Senators' acceptance of the Bill at short notice, which will facilitate the progression of the Bill through the Houses as quickly as possible. I thank them for their contributions and for listening to what I have had to say on the legislation. Along with the other legislation passed over the past year and a half, this Bill will make Ireland a much better place for young people and children.