Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for that response. It is to be hoped we will see the information she has at hand. It is unfortunate that in some cases, once a child turns 18, he or she is left with very few supports. We recently saw a report in the media where a young man in Clondalkin who was just four months out from sitting his leaving certificate was told he had to source accommodation or face homelessness. We can only imagine the stress and worry that caused this young person when he should have been concentrating on his examinations.

We also have a very serious shortage of aftercare workers. In my area of north Dublin, 35 young people are waiting for an appointment with an aftercare worker while 14 are waiting on residential services. In July, Tusla said it was developing supports for these young people, which is what the Minister is talking about here, so I would like to find out the status of that development and whether any other resources will be made available to EPIC.

It was reported that a professor of social work at Trinity College, Dublin, said that extending care until the young person is 21 should be considered. Is the Minister looking at that?

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