Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

380. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of young persons in receipt of aftercare support who are not engaged in training or education; the number in full-time or part-time employment; the actions her Department and Tusla are taking to encourage and support labour market activation for those young persons not currently in employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11144/17]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I can advise that at the end of Quarter 4 2016 there were 1,806 young adults aged 18 to 22 inclusive in receipt of aftercare supports.

I have been informed by Tusla that 1,040 (58%) of young adults receiving aftercare supports were in full time education/ accredited training. A total of 766 young adults (42%) were not in full time education/ accredited training. Tusla has advised me that it does not collate data in relation to the employment status of young adults in aftercare.

The aftercare plan, agreed between the young person and Tusla, will identify the manner by which labour market activation is to be progressed. Tusla also supports young people in applying for jobs, as well as developing their CVs and interview techniques. Tusla has stated that it works closely with other Departments and agencies to secure courses and training for young people where employment may not be an option available to them at the moment.

As the Deputy is aware, labour market activation policies and supports are a matter for the Department of Social Protection and representatives of that Department will work with young people in aftercare, taking into account their aftercare plan, to meet the young person's expressed and identified need .