Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 447: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the financial discrepancy that exists between the orphan and foster allowance will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14661/06]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The primary objective of the orphans payments administered by my Department is to provide income support in respect of children whose parents are deceased or who are unable or have failed to provide for them. The weekly rate of payment is €138 per week.

Foster carers, on the other hand, operate within a very specific framework and the foster care allowance is intended not only to provide income support but to recompense foster carers for the expense incurred in looking after a child who would otherwise be in institutional care. Foster carers are subject to rigorous scrutiny and ongoing monitoring by the health boards and the children in their care are subject to a care plan. The foster care allowance paid by the health boards is paid at a rate of €305 per week, per child under 12 years of age and €332 per week, per child of 12 years and over.

The two payment systems have significantly different objectives and I do not consider that there is a case for standardising payments in this area.