Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will begin with the first point the Deputy raised, which concerned foster carers. I 100% agree with her in this regard. I deliberately spoke about foster carers first because we want to do all we can to support those who are in the system to stay and to attract more into it. The Deputy is right that the programme for Government includes significant commitments regarding the pension, as Deputy Kerrane and others have raised. That absolutely is an objective of ours. Regarding remuneration, there was a 21% increase in that provision in budget 2024. We gave a commitment in the programme for Government to continue to do more in this space over the lifetime of the Government.

I hear the Deputy's point on the supports, including counselling supports. The Deputy is not the first person who has raised that with me and it was also raised at this committee. It is not just for those who provide the foster care support but for the children themselves. I have been engaging with many individuals and the organisation nationally. I ask the Deputy to leave that one with me because it is something that is recurring. Senator Kennelly has also raised it with me.

With regard to the childcare providers, as I referenced earlier, the money is on the table and the joint labour committee will make an independent decision. I want to be abundantly clear about this: €45 million is ring-fenced and it should be used for that purpose. If it is not used for that purpose, I will have to go back to the drawing board and look at what we are doing regarding core funding and the purpose of core funding - I really will. I will not say much more at this point but I want to make it absolutely clear that I am going to go back to the drawing board if things are not done as I would expect them to be done.

Regarding surrogacy, the Deputy is 100% correct that it is in the programme for Government. I am very favourably disposed towards that. I acknowledge there is a role for the Department of Social Protection regarding funding. We have to work collaboratively with the Department of Health, as the Deputy referenced, and that cross-departmental work is ongoing. It is an absolute commitment in the programme for Government.

The funding for Tusla increased by 50% over the five years of the previous Government and running into this Government, and is at €1.2 billion now. It is a significant allocation of funding and is very important. I will ensure that where funding is required for Tusla, which is looking after the most vulnerable children, we will do all we can to provide that. We have seen significant uplift and we will do more going forward. Did I miss anything?