Sarah O'Reilly (Aontú)

I want to raise the issue of foster children and the back-to-school allowance. This has been publicised by the Government as a new support for foster children but it has been very disappointing for families to learn it will be means tested. It is concerning that this long overdue step will come with conditions attached and will not be universally applied to all foster children. This will rule out a large number of foster children and cannot be seen as a support for foster carers in general. The practice of awarding support to foster children based on their foster parents' personal financial circumstances highlights a fundamental misunderstanding of the role of a foster family. Foster families should not have to disclose their own financial circumstances to gain access to financial support for their foster children. Children and young people in care should not be made to qualify for support through income thresholds. It is the responsibility of the State to ensure they are protected and cared for. Foster children should not have to jump through hoops to get their basic entitlements from the State. I call on the Government to ensure the allowance is paid to all children in foster care, regardless of their foster family's financial circumstances. I would appreciate a debate in the House on this matter.