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

I absolutely agree with the Deputy. We all are aware of the terrible tragedies that occurred in more recent years where children, having left care, seemed to fall off a cliff with no supports and with tragic consequences for some. That is why we brought in the after-care Act. It is now a statutory right that any child who has been in care for longer than a year, from the age of 13 upwards, including if he or she has been in a section 5 accommodation, will be entitled to an after-care plan. Indeed, even if they had left care and did not want one, and changed their mind at age 18 or 19, we will accede to that. One should bear in mind that while the statutory obligation and the qualifications for that are clearly set out, Tusla will always be open to putting in place an after-care plan for a child, who may not meet that criteria but about whom the agency is concerned. This is recognition of what was a real problem for some of the most vulnerable in society who, if they are supported, can be hugely important in contributing to society in the future.

See this speech in context