Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising the important issue of foster carers. The truth is we need more of them given the number of children whose parents are not able to look after them anymore, which has increased quite a lot in recent years. I had a chance to meet some foster carers over the summer break and hear from them their lived experience. I agree that we need a better deal for them. The Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, has developed proposals in that regard and is currently in discussions with the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, on funding for them. Hopefully, we will be able to make a positive announcement in the next few weeks.

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