Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to ask the Minister about a reply she gave me on 2 May to a parliamentary question. I am referring to Question No. 1438 relating to children in foster care. The figures did not seem to add up. A total of 132 children were missing based on how we added up the figures. Will the Minister get her officials to check that?

My final question relates to separated children seeking asylum in State care who have completed the leaving certificate but who are unable to apply for a Student Universal Support Ireland, SUSI, grant due to not having full legal status. To qualify for a SUSI grant, it is necessary to have legal status and to satisfy the requirements for habitual residency. Surely, as part of an aftercare plan, social workers and the Department of Justice and Equality should prioritise the securing of legal status for these young adults. The figures I have received show that nine young adults turned 18 years of age, sat the leaving certificate and were receiving aftercare support. Surely, this is something that we can address urgently.

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