James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I promise I will keep this brief. The payment for foster carer's allowance has not changed since 2009. In that time, there have been changes in everything from fuel allowance to social welfare payments. The Government provides a great many levels of support through the Department of Social Protection but the one payment that has not changed, as Mr. McCarthy outlined, has been this particular payment. The recipients desperately need an increase. I will be crystal clear. Given the circumstances of what is going on in respect of inflation, that issue has to be addressed urgently. Families who are involved in foster care are put to the pin of their collar. They provide an enormous benefit to the State. I ask Mr. McCarthy take that message home with him today. I hope something can be done in advance of the budget. It is something I would like to see urgent and rapid action being taken on and I will be raising the matter again with the Minister when the opportunity arises. I thank Mr. McCarthy for answering my couple of questions today.