Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome our guests and thank them for their briefing note and opening statement. I want to acknowledge foster carers and the crucial role they play along with others. Tusla foster carers provide a safe, secure and stable environment for the most vulnerable children.

I would like to go back and forth on the initial recommendations going to the Minister on increasing allowances, which I welcome. I also want to touch on the perceived two-tier system in the model involving Tusla and the private agencies. Perhaps we could run through the different rates and allowances currently being provided and get thoughts on those. Mr. Smyth stated that for children under 12, the Tusla rate is 325, and that for those aged 12 and over, it is €352. The agency is at a set rate of €450. Is that correct or what is the current rate now for private agencies?