Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The Minister has asked the question but has she got a response? Can we have certainty that her request will be acted upon? She is right in that preparation for leaving certificate examinations is a huge challenge in the life of a young person at a very difficult time in the life of any young adult.

Those in care also have the added worry of reaching their 18th birthday in the course of their preparation for the leaving certificate and not knowing what the future will hold. This is in the context of after care and the entitlement to it. We have spoken about the phrase "is subject to resources" and have tried to have it taken out of the current vernacular because it can be a cop-out.

The Minister has demonstrated her awareness that these are real cases. I am also aware of this. It is very important that we recognise this group of young people will repeat present as the leaving certificate and other such challenges in life come about. We need to have a holistic approach in place, one that is truly caring and all-encompassing. I support the Minister's request. I would like to have some certainty as to what action and performance we can now expect.

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