Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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832. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the steps a person can take in circumstances (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30432/18]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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As the Deputy is aware, income and employment supports are matters for the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.

I have requested further information on the case in question from the Deputy. Pending this information, I can only acknowledge the commitment and hard work that foster carers demonstrate by playing their critical role in our child care services. To assist them in this role, they receive the Foster Care Allowance, which is currently €325 per week per child under 12 years of age and €352 per week per child aged 12 and over. It is an allowance in respect of the child and is provided in order to allow foster carers to meet all of the child's daily living needs including food, clothing, basic travel, education costs and hobbies and sporting activities. The allowance is not considered as means for Social Welfare purposes nor is it taxable.

In addition, Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, provides funding to the Irish Foster Care Association, which offers a range of supports to carers, including advocacy, mediation, training and a phone advice service.