Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 6:

In page 11, after line 34, to insert the following:

“Report on Universal Basic Income for care-leavers 21.The Minister shall, within 6 months of the passing of this Act, prepare and lay before both Houses of the Oireachtas and the Joint Committee on Social Protection a report on options for introducing a Universal Basic Income scheme for care-leavers.”.

More than 600 care leavers signed up to a universal basic income pilot scheme in the UK in the past year. One of those participating in the scheme who was interviewed by the BBC said it gave her independence. She explained why it gave her security and freedom. She said: "At the end of the day, leaving the care system and not having the financial worry is quite a big deal, not knowing where your food is coming from, where your rent is coming from." The amendment calls for a report to explore the introduction of such a basic income scheme for care leavers in Ireland. Such a scheme could provide a safety net for many young adults leaving care who often do not have the same parental financial safety net as other young adults. Financial security is identified as one of the key needs for young adults leaving care. Barnardos UK highlighted that care leavers often have far poorer outcomes than their peers. By the time they reach 19 to 21 years old, four in ten are not in education, employment or training. Many suffer with poor physical and mental health and are at greater risk of suicide. It also highlighted that 25% of the homeless population are estimated to be people who have experience of being in care. These are the reasons the basic income scheme was piloted in the UK.

In March of this year, the Irish Department of children published a literature review that included an examination of Irish studies on outcomes for young adults leaving care. It said that Irish studies linked greater difficulties and poorer outcomes in important areas of life, such as mental health, relationships and homelessness to having experience of being in care. Young adults who leave care in Ireland face similar barriers and obstacles. I urge the Minister to consider the benefits of such a basic income scheme for young adults leaving care in Ireland. Such a scheme could ensure the security, safety and future prosperity of young adults.

I recall a friend of mine, Shane, who died by suicide a few years ago pointed something out to me. I talk about supports in relation to social class and poverty and I remember saying that gaining work experience for people from particular communities or schools can be difficult. Many people in local areas and communities will end up doing work experience in the factory across the road where their mam or dad worked or perhaps in the local Centra. He said something poignant to me, that many people with experience of care, do not even have a family member working in Centra to help them to look for work experience in Centra. When I was looking for diversity of work experience for people who have a home and family around them, it was an interesting thing to have to think about. If someone is a care leaver or a person experiencing care, sometimes accessing low-paid or local work is extremely difficult, never mind being able to think about opportunities above and beyond that. Many people who leave care are in homeless accommodation and live in hostels. They leave State care where the State was effectively their parent for a period. That becomes obsolete if the person does not go on to education, which can be extremely difficult if he or she does not have a safe environment in which to be able to engage in education.

We should look at the pilot scheme in the UK and potentially carry out some similar research in Ireland. Perhaps the Department could look at what the benefits would be of having a pilot scheme in Ireland under which we would look at a universal basic income for people leaving State care.

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Deputy Heather Humphreys:I fully accept the point the Senator made. However, I do not propose to accept the amendment. Policy for this issue falls under the remit of the Department of children. It has come up in the past. For example, the line Department led on the basic income for artists, under the Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin. I discussed the matter with the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, and he has spoken to his counterpart in Wales. A pilot scheme was done there and it worked out well. A report is being written about it. I think Scotland is looking at doing something. Young people leaving care need additional support to help them on their way and give them the confidence to go forward.It is something the Senator can raise with the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, in the context of children in care. As I said, it is a matter we have discussed.

In the Department of Social Protection, unlike in other Departments, age-related jobseeker's allowance rates do not apply to those who were in care during the 12 months immediately before they turned 18. That means people are entitled to the support of the higher weekly rate, which will be €232 from January 2024. Of course, they can avail of additional needs payments to support them in their accommodation requirements and other necessary supports when leaving care, if needed. It is to help them when they are leaving the care system and starting to live independently. They need that support and I accept that. As I said, the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, has considered this matter. I ask the Senator to raise it with the Minister directly. I cannot accept the amendment.