Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú) | Oireachtas source

I welcome that this group will be considered a priority group and that there will be proposed analysis of their pathway through third level, etc. Subject to assessment, care leavers are entitled to aftercare from the age of 18, when their foster or residential placements end, until the age of 21. Aftercare supports can be extended to the age of 23 if the young person goes to further or higher education. The Minister will agree that is discriminatory and unfair. All young people, regardless of the path they take in life, be it an apprenticeship or going straight into the world of work, should be granted supports for an equal length of time on leaving care. Aftercare should be placed on a statutory footing for all young people leaving care and there should not be a barrier for those who are not in further education from the age of 21. I am not sure what role the Minister's Department can play in that aspect in terms of the drafting of rules but if it is in his power to reform that system, I ask him to so do. It is a big issue for my party - Ógra Aontú, our youth section, is passionate about it - and I ask the Minister to look into it.

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