Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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350. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the measures being taken to address the reported shortage of social workers within Tusla’s aftercare services, which may impact young care leavers' ability to meet the new housing priority criteria put forward by Dublin City Council. [18297/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to inform the Deputy that my officials have asked Tusla to respond to you directly on this matter.

Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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351. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the measures in place to ensure that all young people leaving State care are adequately supported in their transition to independent living, particularly in light of the current housing emergency. [18298/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Tusla has a duty, under Section 45 of the Child Care Act 1991 to make a decision whether each person leaving care has a need for assistance, and to provide services in accordance with the legislation and subject to available resources. Upon reaching the age of 18, a young person is deemed to have left State care. Young people who have had a care history with Tusla are entitled to an aftercare service based on their eligibility and assessed needs.

In addition, the Childcare Amendment Act 2015 sets out Tusla’s statutory duty to carry out an assessment of need for eligible care leavers. This assessment assists the aftercare service in determining the level of support which the young person will require in a number of areas, including their educational and accommodation needs.

Tusla may provide financial support to eligible care leavers who are engaged in a qualifying educational course or training programme. The aftercare allowance amounts to €300 per week and is dependent on the eligible young adult attending an accredited education course, third level course or training programme as outlined in the young person’s Aftercare Plan. The allowance is provided to cover a young adults day to day costs, including accommodation as they progress in their chosen accredited course or training program.

Care leavers may also access specific housing supports. Primary responsibility for housing lies with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and local authorities. This responsibility includes the accommodation needs of young persons leaving State care. In this regard, care leavers have been included as a separate category for funding under the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) to enable Approved Housing Bodies to acquire residential units specifically to accommodate care leavers.

Care leavers may also be entitled to a number of additional financial supports in respect of education which include the SUSI Grant (which is payable at the higher rate for care leavers) and the Tusla Dormant Accounts funded Bursary Scheme.

In 2023 Tusla published the Strategic Plan for Aftercare Services for Young People and Young Adults. My Department continues to engage with Tusla on the implementation of this plan with a view to improving aftercare services for care leavers, particularly those at risk of homelessness.

I can further advise that Tusla Local Aftercare Interagency Steering Committees (LAISC), which are in place in all Tusla Areas, engage with key stakeholders to ensure integrated planning, implementation and monitoring of an integrated aftercare plan for young people in receipt of aftercare. If there is a concern in relation to homelessness, a Housing Authority representative may be present.

Further, in line with Action 7 of the Youth Homelessness Strategy, the review of the Housing Circular 46/2014 protocol on Young People Leaving State Care (often referred to as CCMA Joint Protocol) commenced in January 2024. I can advise that officials from my Department have proactively engaged with their counterparts in the DHLGH and Tusla in progressing this action.