Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I very much welcome the tabling of the question by Deputy McLellan. The transition from childhood to adulthood is not as crude as any one calendar date. I ask the Minister to examine the issue of children who turn 18 years of age while completing third level education and the trauma that can be inflicted on them when they have to move a significant distance.

The Minister should examine how the Child Care Act interacts with the Refugee Act. A number of people who came to the country as minors have completed their leaving certificate in supportive lodgings but at 18 years of age are put in hostel accommodation and are unable to complete third level education. There is no economic saving to the State.

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