Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Six thousand. What would be the figure if all those children were in residential care? How much are foster families saving the public purse? This issue is separate from that of better outcomes and all the more important matters we need to be considering; however, with the budget fast approaching, it is a really good time to highlight in the first instance how much the allowance needs to be considered so as to have better outcomes and, second, how much would be saved. It is an absolute no-brainer. I do not know why no figures have been mentioned today. From my understanding, one of the increases people are asking for in the budget is an increase of €100 per week in respect of the allowances for both under-18s and over-18s. Should it be more than that? I am interested in the delegates' input in that regard. I presume an increase would play some part in encouraging other families to foster. Is this something in addition that we need to consider?

With regard to the recruitment and retention of social workers, what kind of remuneration is needed, and what specific things should the committee know that need to be done?

When talking about all of these issues, I know I refer many times to "better outcomes". Speaking from experience, for families with foster children in them, there are better outcomes for the entire family. I certainly felt that when I was growing up. There was a better outcome for my entire family because of my foster sister being there. It is important to highlight that the benefits of fostering are multifold.