Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I endorse and support Senator Fitzpatrick's call for a timely review and debate in this House of the decision we, as a country, took three years ago.

I also want to raise the important issue of young people in care in Ireland and how they transition from the system of foster parenting up to the age of 18 years to life afterwards. I commend the bravery and honesty of Danielle McGarry and Sarah O'Brien in speaking recently about their experiences. I learned a lot about young people in care from an incredible young man, Shane Griffin, who spent time in 19 different care homes. Sadly, he had his own battles and he departed this world two years ago on New Year's eve. Shane was an incredible advocate for young people in care and, with Wayne Dignam, established a group known as Irish Care Leavers' Network. Shane believed young people in care, who on reaching 18 are living in a happy, stable environment, should have the opportunity to remain there and not have to leave. In this regard, England has the Staying Put scheme, Wales has the When I am Ready scheme, Scotland has the Continuing Care scheme, and Northern Ireland the Going the Extra Mile scheme. The transition from care to independence is very challenging.We have 6,000 young people in care. If they are in a family and the foster family agree that they are happy to continue supporting that young person after he or she reaches 18 years then that should be the case. I commend the Munster Technological University that, in conjunction with EPIC, is bringing in a supports system. We need to debate the care system and I would appreciate if the Leader would arrange same. Finally, I acknowledge that the Cork Life Centre has announced that it will be renamed the Shane Griffin Centre after the inspiration and legacy given to many by him.