Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is really important that the Senator highlighted this issue today. Those figures about the decrease of 4% in the number of foster carers that are there are very worrying. Of course that comes at a time of population increase of greater than 4% or anything remotely equivalent to it. Quite a number of children have come from very difficult circumstances around the world, many of whom may be children on their own, or who are in very difficult and traumatic situations having come from Ukraine or other places that are experiencing real difficulties. At a time of rising population, a decrease of that nature is very worrying and there will be fewer children in care if there are fewer placements for them. The spectre of leaving children in a situation that is not suitable for them is very concerning which is why the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, will continue to work on this over the coming period with Tusla and in relation to the budget.