2860. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the estimated cost of increasing the aftercare allowance to the same rate as foster care allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56701/26]

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 1991, as amended, 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 adult's day to day costs, including accommodation as they progress in their chosen accredited course or training program.

The range of supports available to foster carers, and indeed those available to young people in aftercare, are currently being considered as part of the ongoing development of the Alternative Care Policy Framework. This is being done in consultation with a range of stakeholders involved in the alternative care space, including children and foster carers. The Department will continue to engage with and support Tusla in improving aftercare services for care leavers.

The below table details the full year cost for increasing the aftercare allowance to match the foster care allowance, given the number of young people in receipt of the aftercare allowance at the end of Q1 2026.