James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I strongly refute the figures quoted by the Deputy. I believe they are the ones contained in a study that was published some 15 years ago and are based on a very small sample size. I am pleased to inform the House that of those leaving care this year, approximately 80% were reported as having an allocated aftercare worker. In addition, Tusla has advised that almost 90% of young adults currently receiving an aftercare service are in some form of stable accommodation, including 45% who remain living with their former foster families. The figures of 80% and 90% are important.

Every year, between 450 and 500 young adults leave the care of the State. The majority of those are eligible for an aftercare plan. The Government has decided to amend the legislative provisions regarding aftercare. The aim is to create a clear statement of Tusla's duty to satisfy itself as to the young person’s need for assistance by preparing a plan that identifies those needs for aftercare supports. I published the new Aftercare Bill yesterday.

I am concerned about the one in ten young people who have left care and are reported by Tusla to be in unstable accommodation. The purpose of the legislation is to ensure that an aftercare plan, developed before the young person leaves care, identifies his or her care needs and that appropriate supports are put in place. Some young people may not engage with the supports offered or, in some instances, appropriate services such as accommodation may prove difficult to source.

Funding is made available to support a young person leaving care who is to remain on with his or her foster family as part of his or her aftercare plan. In other cases, funding supports are available to facilitate independent living or supported lodgings. Supports are also provided by other State bodies. For example, an exception is made to the jobseeker's allowance payment in favour of young adults leaving care, in that those aged 18 to 24 receive a higher rate than other jobseekers of the same age.

Tusla has continued to develop its aftercare service since the introduction of its national leaving and aftercare policy of 2011. The implementation of the policy has seen the introduction of new practices, including the establishment of steering groups and the standardisation of the aftercare allowance. I am happy to report that the additional funding I have secured for Tusla will drive forward this essential service for children and families into 2016 and beyond.

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