Brian Stanley (Laois, Independent)
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2345. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to ensure that financial support is addressed in Budget 2026 around therapeutic supports for children in care, through expanded and fully resourced Tusla therapeutic hubs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41800/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I recognise and acknowledge the importance of Tusla therapeutic services for children in care, who are amongst the most vulnerable children in the State.

The Estimates process for 2026 has recently commenced. Over the course of the coming weeks and months, I will work with Tusla and with Government colleagues to secure additional funding for Tusla. Details of any increased funding to overall Tusla funding, including the purposes for such funding, will be announced following Budget 2026, in October.

Brian Stanley (Laois, Independent)
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2346. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will make an increase to the aftercare allowance in Budget 2026, to align with the foster care allowance and extend support up to the age of 23, at a minimum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41801/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Young people who have had a care history with Tusla are entitled to an aftercare service based on their eligibility and assessed needs. This assessment considers a number of factors including the young person’s educational and accommodation needs.

Upon reaching the age of 18, a young person is deemed to have left State care. All eligible care leavers are supported through aftercare services provided by Tusla. Care leavers, depending on need, may be allocated an aftercare worker. All care leavers, without exception or age limit, can attend drop-in services organised by the Tusla aftercare service.

The Child Care Act (Amended) 1991 sets out that where Tusla is providing assistance to a person in accordance with an aftercare plan by arranging for the completion of education and by contributing to maintenance while completing education, and that person attains the age of 21 years, Tusla may continue to provide that assistance until the completion of the course of education or the end of the academic year during which the person attains the age of 23, whichever is the earlier.

Tusla provides 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 adult’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 not engaged in education and not in employment may be eligible for the full Jobseekers Allowance (€244) rather than the reduced rate (€153.70) for individuals under the age of 25, provided that they meet eligibility criteria.

In 2023 Tusla published its Strategic Plan for Aftercare Services for Young People and Young Adults. Under the Plan, Tusla committed to commissioning research to further examine the scope of service provision for care leavers with particular focus on those currently eligible for services until their 21st birthday and those who require support post 23 years. My Department will continue to engage with and support Tusla in improving aftercare services for care leavers.