Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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403. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47849/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The financial allocation for Tusla, The Child and Family Agency, in 2014, its first year of operation, was set at €609 million. This is comprised of €602 million in current funding and €7 million in capital funding. It is acknowledged that delivering the range of service required of the Agency, within this budget, was challenging.

Notwithstanding the significant level of resources provided, certain areas of expenditure, such as legal costs, have in the past proven difficult to manage within the allocated budget. It is also noted that other areas of expenditure such as private residential and foster care have experienced strong demand in 2014.

The Agency is implementing significant reform to seek to achieve greater value for money and efficiencies in such areas and the progress in this regard is subject to ongoing monitoring and review with my Department.

The forecast outturn for the Agency for 2014 shows that there will be a shortfall in funding and I would like to assure the Deputy that this will be met through the transfer of funds within my Department's Vote. My Department has also secured additional funding for the Agency in 2015 and the allocation will be set out in the Revised Estimate for Public Services which is due to be published on 17th December next.

As regards care for young people reaching the age of 18, the Child and Family Agency provides an aftercare service for those in care on their 18th birthday and there are a number of supports for those leaving care, particularly where they are in full time education. My Department is working with the Agency to progress and develop the range and quality of service provision with a view to improving consistency of provision across the country of child protection and welfare services, including aftercare.