Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I want to speak on behalf of the foster carers right across Ireland less than a week out from the budget to make a case for improved weekly rates for foster carers. The rate has remained the same since 2009, despite the incredible level of care that they give to young people under their care. They clothe them, they feed them and they bring them to sports activities. They give them such a high level of care, it is about time that we improved the conditions for these foster carers. They do not even have access to back-to-school allowances, which is not good enough. In many instances, these people look after the most vulnerable young people in our society. It is about time that we realised that. It is about time that we improved their conditions and improved their weekly rates.

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