Rory Hearne (Dublin North-West, Social Democrats)

I am aware from consultation with the Simon Community that young people leaving the care system are often not aware of the supports the Minister has outlined which are available to them. I ask the Minister to ensure information about housing and homelessness services, and social protection supports are made available in schools, local communities and youth services.

Another issue I would like to raise is the collection of data. Currently, Tusla does not provide any distinction in its data about where young people find themselves after leaving State care following their 18th birthday. We just have one crude figure to cover young people who end up in a variety of settings such as in hospital, prison, homeless services and mental health or disability services. If we are to establish how best to help young people when they leave care, it is essential that we know precisely where they end up. I would be grateful if the Minister could respond on this, in particular the gathering of information and bringing it together to ensure that these young people who are so vulnerable are not falling through the cracks.

See this speech in context