Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)

There is a programme for Government commitment to look at the pension. I acknowledge the issue and that there is important work to be done to achieve it. Regarding the allowance, I genuinely, hand on heart, do not believe the money is a motivating factor at all for people providing foster care. I have never thought it was. Notwithstanding that, it is matter of due regard and, for that reason, we have given the 21% increase. I do not have the specific figure to hand but I will get it for the Deputy.

There has been an increase this year in the number of foster carers stepping forward for the first time. We are rolling out, which has been a help, peer-support programmes where foster carers support other foster carers. Where that has already been rolled, it seems to have been very significant. In addition, we are giving a specific payment to those who take on foster care in the initial stages of a placement, which is also a positive. There were 3,809 foster carers on the panel of approved foster carers at the end of 2024. I will get the latest number for the Deputy. What is coming back from the recruitment campaigns is very positive and we are told there is an increase. I will get the exact figures to the Deputy. If he wishes to raises a specific issue in his own area, I ask that he contact me about it.