Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

As Deputy Rabbitte knows, I always appreciate hearing her examples and about the conversations she is having as it is important for me, as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, to hear that as I feed into, in terms of my priorities, what Tusla is doing, particularly with regard to aftercare which, as I indicated to the Deputy earlier, it is reviewing.

Statistics are important but as the Deputy said, they are not everything. I will make some additional comments in response to the questions the Deputy raised. I refer to young persons who are eligible but perhaps not availing of supports. Young persons who are eligible for aftercare supports may choose not to avail of them. I accept that is not Deputy Rabbitte's example but there are instances where that is the case. However, Tusla maintains contact with the young person where that is possible. The young person may have disengaged with Tusla as they return to the wider family for support or for their own reasons but Tusla keeps the door open for contact and will help in terms of the immediate and longer term support for the young person that can be provided by the State. There are supports also that are provided by Tusla without an aftercare plan.

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