Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I raised this issue with the Minister of State, Deputy Joe O'Brien, during the 11 June session but he pointed to the Minister as being the best person to revert to on this issue. It seems to be a complex pension issue. I point to the fact that the IFCA found that 50% of the carers surveyed said they are experiencing financial difficulties due to their commitment to caring and have considered giving up fostering as they are worried about being able to provide an adequate level of care. Tusla is actively recruiting for foster carers in my constituency of Clare but is struggling to recruit. When consulted in January the Minister stated that foster carers are not employees and, accordingly, Tusla does not make pension contributions on their behalf. Is that an accurate summation of the Government's position, that it is aware of the issue but that carers are now employees? Home caring period schemes can help carers to qualify but as the Minister stated it only applies to children under the age of 12 or disabled children over the age of 12.

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