According to the Simon Community, the number of people aged 18 to 24 experiencing homelessness is approaching 1,800. This represents an 8% increase over the past year. Some of the most vulnerable and those most at risk of experiencing homelessness are young people leaving State care. This cohort of young people often leave care without a support network. They have also experienced trauma in their lives and we know homelessness is a very traumatic experience. Ensuring that the State is there to support them is vital. Will the Minister outline the financial supports available to these young people, in particular to prevent them from becoming homeless in the first instance?

Sentiment score: 0.12

I am aware from consultation with the Simon Community that young people leaving the care system are often not aware of the supports the Minister has outlined which are available to them. I ask the Minister to ensure information about housing and homelessness services, and social protection supports are made available in schools, local communities and youth services. Another issue I would like to raise is the collection of data. Currently, Tusla does not provide any distinction in its data about where young people find themselves after leaving State care following their 18th birthday. We just have one crude figure to cover young people who end up in a variety of settings such as in hospital, prison, homeless services and mental health or disability services. If we are to establish how best to help young people when they leave care, it is essential that we know precisely where they end up. I would be grateful if the Minister could respond on this, in particular the gathering of information and bringing it together to ensure that these young people who are so vulnerable are not falling through the cracks.

Sentiment score: 0.40

Those are the main issues we wanted to raise today. I thank the Minister.

Sentiment score: 0.18