Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thought of that very point when the Minister said one of the biggest reasons people are leaving is age. Giving security to foster carers when they reach the age of 66 and ensuring they can access a State pension is important. I discussed that with the representatives. They said that perhaps a new system is needed. The best thing we can do is consider the new system introduced for family carers more generally from January of this year in the social protection system. I do not believe it would cost a lot of money because, in some cases, foster carers have worked for ten years and have 520 contributions, and will, therefore, be able to get a State pension. A small number of people are affected. The new system this year for family carers is something I have put to the Minister, Deputy Humphreys. Consideration should be given to using that system and the credit it provides for foster carers as well as family carers. That would be the easiest and quickest way to deal with this.

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