Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the Cathaoirleach letting me in. Tomorrow, 18 February, is Care Day, which is a global celebration of the successes and achievements of children and young people in care. It is important we celebrate the young people who overcome adversities - sometimes mental, physical and sexual abuse - let them know we are proud of them and their achievements to date, and hope a future of opportunity, equality and equity is there for them. The resilience of these children and youths must be commended. As leaders and entrepreneurs, however, we must open opportunities for these young people to fulfil their dreams.One of my foster children, Shauna, is now doing her masters. She will need a law firm to believe in her as I do. Today, my call is for employers to support these young people in their journeys through life. Their starts might not have been as great as those of other youths, but they have persevered through adversity and they just need opportunities to be opened for them. It takes a village to raise a child, and that does not stop at 18 years of age.