Seán Kenny (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 200: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of persons currently acting as foster carers here; the number of foster carers who have not been Garda vetted and the number of foster carers who are still waiting for Garda vetting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11930/12]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Health Service Executive (HSE) compiles and publishes monthly performance reports which include statistics in relation to children in foster care. Information in relation to the number of foster carers is published on a quarterly basis and the HSE reported that there were 3,769 foster carers, of whom 3,138 were approved by the Foster Care panel under Part III of the Child Care (Placement of Children in Foster Care) regulations, 1995, at the end of December 2011. Data for Galway is not included in these figures. It should be noted that there are a number of steps undertaken in the assessment of foster carers, including Garda vetting, prior to formal approval of foster carers. As regards information specifically in relation to Garda vetting, I have asked the HSE to submit the information to me and I will forward to the deputy when it is available.