asked the Minister for Health his proposals in relation to foster care legislation in Ireland; and if he is aware of recent cases which have involved a great deal of trauma and distress to parents.
Written Answers. - Child Care Legislation.
140.
I presume that the Deputy is referring to a recent case in the area of the North Eastern Health Board where a number of children were taken from their foster parents and returned to the custody of their mother.
The decision to return the children to their mother was taken by the Circuit Court following a full hearing of the case. As the Deputy is aware, the Judiciary is independent in the exercise of its functions and it would not, therefore, be either proper or appropriate for me to comment on the decision taken in this or any other particular case.
Proposals to update certain aspects of the law in relation to foster care are contained in the Children (Care and Protection) Bill, 1985, which is at present before a Special Committee of the House.