According to Tusla’s latest available figures, 146 people aged 18-22 moved from State care into homelessness, as of the third quarter of 2025. Privatisation is not just affecting residential care but also foster care, echoing a trend in England. The total value of the country’s foster care market is estimated at nearly £2.2 billion. Children’s residential and foster care services must be provided exclusively by local authorities, charities or not-for-profit organisations. Many in foster and residential care thrive, and more may do so since the new educational partnership at third level.

Source: The Irish Times February 15, 2026 09:56 UTC