Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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544. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason emergency foster parents automatically precluded from using a childminder are forced to be available for work or training when they have been assured their welfare payments to the value of that in jobseeker’s will continue in their fostering; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24360/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The two main income supports provided by my Department for people who have lost employment and are unable to find full time work are Jobseeker's Benefit which is a payment based on a person’s social insurance contributions while in employment and Jobseeker's Allowance, a means tested assistance payment.

In order to qualify for a Jobseeker’s payment a person must satisfy all of the qualifying conditions of the statutory scheme including being available for and genuinely seeking work. A foster carer may not be in a position to satisfy the conditions for a jobseeker’s payment due to the responsibilities of that role and should contact the Department accordingly.

The provision of fostering services is a matter for Tusla (The Child and Family Agency). This includes any supports, including financial, that are required by the foster parent or the foster child. A weekly payment is payable to the foster carer by Tusla.

The means tested Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme is also available for any person who is need of financial assistance including Exceptional and Urgent Needs Payments.

I hope that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.