104. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 537 of 15 February 2022, the number of children currently in State care by placement type; and the number for whom placement type is not specified (details supplied). [36555/22]

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth: I would like to thank the deputy for this question regarding the numbers of children in state care. As this data is collated by Tusla, I have sought and received an input from them on this matter.

I have been informed by Tusla that at the end of April 2022 there were 5,869 children and young people in the care of the State. Approximately 90% are cared for by foster carers. The detailed breakdown of the figures is as follows:

• General foster care 3,737
• Relative foster care 1,509
• Residential care 439 (424 in general residential care and 15 in special care)
• Other care placements 184.
• The breakdown of the "other care placements" is as follows:
• Supported lodgings 70
• At home under a care order 28
• Detention centre / prison 3
• Other residential centre (e.g., disability unit, drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre) 49
• Not specified 34

I hope this information is satisfactory to the deputy.