I welcome the chance to speak on this Bill. I want to acknowledge the hard work social workers, link workers and family support workers, etc., do but the reality is the public has lost confidence in Tusla over the years. We need to see steps to rebuild trust. I want to highlight concerns over the future independence of the guardians ad litem, GALs. Their job is to be the voice of the child in court proceedings. It is as simple as that. In some cases, GALs can be critical of the social work Department. They need to be independent and not be concerned about any repercussions from doing their job. There are cases where children in care see their social worker change regularly due to staff turnover but the GAL has been appointed to the child and knows the child inside-out. I know that from my experience as a foster parent. They know the children's concerns and asks. I have concerns about GALs and Tusla being under the same Department and Minister. I echo the calls from other speakers that the Minister meet with the association of GALs to discuss these matters. In terms of foster parents, I welcome that the timeframe for the application for enhanced rights has decreased from five years to three. Children placed in care have formed very strong relationships and bonds with their foster parents so allowing a foster parent to make a day-to-day decision on a child makes sense. However, let us be clear: we need to do a lot more work to support foster carers. I look forward to the Bill going through the House. My party will be very constructive and will work with Government Members to ensure its passage.

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