Séamus McGrath (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)

A percentage of 10% is 70 children who will travel to Ireland and present unaccompanied. I think it is an extraordinary number. If Ms Duggan could clarify that at a later point, it would be great.

I am hopping topics here. On the issue of foster carers, I support the calls to improve their terms and conditions. One of the issues they raised during the week when they were here was the issue of the means test. The foster payment is apparently subject to a means test for things like the back-to-school allowance. I think there are easy wins in terms of trying to give something back to foster families. I would strongly argue that the Department needs to look at those issues.

I will not necessarily go through what Deputy McAuliffe went through in terms of savings and so on. However, that type of setting is better, and it is better for children to be in a family foster home. We must find a way to increase the number of families participating.

It is not for financial reward; it is purely to deal with the cost of living, which as we know, has increased significantly. I hope the Department would take note of that, if possible.

On the upcoming budget, I will go back to Tusla if I may. I note the Children's Rights Alliance has indicated that Tusla should be getting a €200 million increase in budget. Would Ms Duggan like to comment on that?