Sharon Keogan (Independent)

I thank the Minister. Unfortunately, none of my questions were answered but the most shocking line of that contribution is that 777 children are under the care of Tusla and 432 Ukrainian children have aged out. They are no longer in the care of or accommodated by the agency. It is only supporting five young people over the age of 18 today. That is absolutely shocking. I know one young man who, on the day he turned 18, was picked up by a taxi outside his accommodation and was brought to a hotel room with three other men in that room. That is not aftercare for children coming from war-torn countries; it is absolutely letting down the children we have brought in from war-torn countries. He has not heard from a social worker since that day.

The agency is under pressure. I get that. Aftercare is really hard to get for these children. I know this because I have had children in care over the years and children who have gone into the aftercare system. This is not good enough, particularly for children who do not have anybody. The State is their guardian and is letting them down. This special emergency accommodation is not good enough. It is unregulated. We must do better by these children.