Gabrielle McFadden (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I was very upset to read in the newspapers over the weekend about a report from Focus Ireland on the growing number of young people leaving State care and becoming homeless. Many young people leave State care and transition successfully into independent living but it is not good enough that any child finds himself or herself homeless. Focus Ireland is calling for money to be ring-fenced for accommodation for care leavers. Focus Ireland and the Irish Aftercare Network have been seeking a meeting with the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Zappone, but to no avail. I would like the Deputy Leader to ask the Minister to come to the House for a debate on what is happening in the context of providing care and homes for young people. It is not good enough that an 18 year old can leave care and be put out on the streets.