Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for that answer. There is, within her answer, an acknowledgment of the problem. We should be particularly alarmed by that trend that we are talking about, and the fact that even though we are heavily reliant on foster care, the number of parents who are willing to continue to foster care continues to fall. That is a trend that is deeply worrying.

I welcome the fact there is recognition that the two key problems are the lack of financial supports.I would certainly hope, and I know that within the context of my own parliamentary party I have been raising this, that we see the foster care issue addressed in next week's budget. There are other structural issues that need to be addressed as well. Such as the levels of State support available for foster carers, particularly out of hours, and particularly with very difficult children. I would appreciate it if the Minister of State would bring those concerns back.