Senator Fiona O’Loughlin has welcomed the announcement by her Government colleagues that approval has been given to launch a landmark research and data project to examine the lives of children in care and adults who were in care as children.
The research will be the most comprehensive examination of Ireland’s alternative care system ever undertaken and provide an extensive overview of both the experience of children in care and their long-term outcomes.
Senator O’Loughlin said, “I am pleased to see this announcement, and I have been advocating on behalf of children in care since I was first elected to the Oireachtas in 2016.”
“During my time as Chair of the Oireachtas Education committee I engaged extensively with representatives of children in care, and we discussed the difficulties the care system can present for children from an educational perspective- but what was clear was the lack of data and research on the area.”
“The need for greater research to understand the lives of children in care and adults who were in care as children has been highlighted in the past, but until now nothing has been done. I am happy to see that my calls have been listened to and the Government will be looking at this crucial issue.”
Fiona concluded “The Ryan Report recommendation was made in 2009. There is no doubt that great strides have been made since then, including the establishment of both the Department of Children and Tusla. We now have the structures in place to support greater research .”