Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

It is clear from the information I have given and from other information we have discussed here that there is an increased focus on aftercare services for young people leaving care. I congratulate groups such as EPIC which have highlighted the issue and the young people who have been involved. On Saturday I met a group of young people in care who are part of the implementation group in respect of the recommendations from the report published last year. I have set up a group of young people who are in care to tell us of their experiences and to ensure the recommendations from that report, about the voice of the child in care, are implemented in the coming year. I have said before, and I repeat here, that section 45 of the Child Care Act 1991 places a statutory duty on the HSE to form a view of each child leaving care as to their assessed need for aftercare services. It is important not to underplay the importance of that because that is the statutory provision that places the obligation on the HSE to assess the needs of the young person leaving care and to work out an appropriate plan for him or her.

The information I have received from across the country indicates that increasing levels of resources are being devoted to aftercare services. In addition, the number of those in receipt of aftercare has increased from 800 three years ago to 1,100 today. There has been a steady rise in the number of young people who are leaving care and in respect of whom provision is being made. In response to discussions that took place in the House, I have asked that the HSE routinely collect more quality data for the numbers leaving care each year. The collation of such data would allow us in the coming months and years to consider both the numbers leaving care and the numbers who require aftercare services. Many will remain with foster families.

I do not have details for the 20 young people to whom the Deputy referred, but collating data for them would certainly be a worthwhile exercise. I will see what information I can obtain on these young people. I agree with the Deputy that they are most vulnerable.

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