Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. I am pleased to be able to say there has been an increase in the level of foster carers. It has gone up by 1%, from 89% to 90%, so it is going in the right direction. That is really important. When comparing Ireland with other countries, the number of children who are in care, including foster care, is extremely high. We want to continue to support foster carers. In my budget Estimates campaign, I will certainly work to secure an increase in the foster care allowance. When I started off in this role, I specifically designed a foster care programme for unaccompanied minors. It is the Fáilte Foster care programme. It is specifically designed and has worked really well.

My colleague, Deputy Costello, makes that point about wanting to see Tusla a social worker seconded to all the local protective services bureaux. That is certainly something that would work well. It is a single social worker in the protective services. It is the national element. There is a co-ordination role to make sure local gardaí know who they need to get in touch with. Barnahus is working really well. Maybe Deputy Funchion will have the opportunity to visit at some point and we can provide more information. It is a one-stop location where a child or young person who has been the victim of a sexual crime receives the various tests, evidence is taken and statements are given. No one has to go to the station or the hospital. It all takes place in the one location, which is specifically designed to minimise, as much as possible, the trauma of such a situation for a child.

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