Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I hear what the Minister is saying. He spoke on Newstalk recently and said that he wished he had offered foster carers an increase in the budget. Now, though, the Minister seemed to be going back on that statement. We are seeking a commitment from him for an increase in the allowance paid to foster carers. There has been a great deal of talk from Ministers after the fact saying this is something the Government should have done, and it is something the Government should have done. There is a cost-of-living crisis. In that context, we welcome the payment before Christmas, but there is a need to go further in this regard. We will support a range of measures to support foster carers. Some 4,000 people have opened their homes to more than 5,000 children in foster care.

The Minister made the point we need more foster carers now, unfortunately, to deal with more children who are going into foster care. One of the barriers here is the supports for the families that are doing that. Will the Minister give a commitment? The last increase was in 2009. I am asking Deputy O'Gorman, as Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, if he will give that commitment today.

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