Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Many of my questions have been answered. I am from the Carlow-Kilkenny constituency, as is the Chair. How many social workers are there in counties Carlow and Kilkenny? The pressure for social workers, because we need so many more, has become a significant issue that needs to be addressed.

The foster care allowance rate of €325 for a child under 12 and €352 for a child over 12 has not risen since 2009. Private foster care, about which I was speaking to the Taoiseach, costs up to €7,000. I have spoken to foster mothers recently about their issues and I have to give them credit. We all listen to "Talk to Joe" on "Liveline". The amount of information I got while driving to Dublin was another factor that brought this issue home to me. Foster mothers did not say it to me, and I have to be politically correct in this, but I felt from speaking to them there was a fear there that if they were to say too much, they could lose their children. That was a concern for me and it really worried me. I recall thinking that they were not saying it, yet I could sense a fear there. Some said that when they have looked for money for special food, beds or school assistance, they were told they would not receive it, but this beats all.

One lady looked for an occupational therapist privately, because the waiting list was so long, and she got a quote for one. The next thing, the social worker came back to her and told her to get three quotes, which meant she had to look into bordering counties such as Wicklow and other areas. That is unacceptable and must be called to a halt. She got the price for an occupational therapist, but then they looked for two more quotes. I said, "No, that cannot be allowed to happen". This is an issue I wish to raise with Mr. Gloster, if that is okay.