Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

Tusla has a duty under section 45 of the Child Care Act 1991 to make a decision whether each person leaving care has a need for assistance and then to provide services in accordance with the legislation, subject to the resources. On reaching the age of 18, a young person is deemed to have left State care. Young people who have a care history with Tusla are entitled to an aftercare service based on their eligibility and assessed needs. The assessment considers a number of factors, including the young person's educational and accommodation needs. If deemed necessary, Tusla will provide financial support to eligible care leavers who are engaged in a qualifying educational course or training programme. That aftercare allowance amounts to €300 per week. It is dependent on the eligible young adult attending an accredited education course, a third level course or a training programme as outlined in their own aftercare plan. The allowance is provided to cover a young adult's day-to-day costs, including accommodation, as they progress in their chosen course or training programme. I will come back in the next round on the question relating to information.

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