Ms Catherine Bond:

The optimal situation is for a link social worker to be allocated to the foster carer. As it stands, foster carers have access to a social worker. There is no gap. Foster carers have a number by which to contact Tusla if they have a concern. Foster carers generally use the Irish foster carers' helpline quite frequently. If they have a problem, they resort to our helpline and we put them in contact with the most appropriate person. Foster carers are assured that there is somebody to call, but the relationship is very important.