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

The Deputy is absolutely right about the importance of moving away from private sector reliance, which is significant. I made the investment in Tusla this year in order that it can grow its own stock of residential placements. We are also looking at supporting the community and voluntary sector. I met its representatives in January and discussed what the sector can do to provide additional residential care places.

I agree with the Deputy on foster care. That is why we have taken significant steps this year to support foster care. By the end of this year, the foster care allowance will have increased by €75 per child. It increased by 25% on 1 January and the remainder of the increase will apply from 1 November. This will mean that this year, foster carers will receive additional support of €1,700 per year and by the end of 2025, that figure will have increased to an additional €3,900 per year. That is a necessary and recognition of the hugely important role foster carers play in terms of children in care.

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