Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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95. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans to support the development of fostering services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35390/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I would like to thank the Deputy for this question regarding supporting the development of fostering services.

There are currently approximately 5,826children and young people in the care of the State, with 90% being cared for by foster carers, enabling them to live in a safe, secure, and stable home environment.

The Deputy will be aware that foster carers are paid a weekly allowance, which is a payment to meet the needs of the child in their care. The foster care allowance is currently €325 per week for a child under 12 years of age and €352 per week for a child aged 12 years and over. In addition, where criteria are met in relation to additional needs of the child in their care, foster carers may qualify for an enhanced foster care payment.

I can inform the Deputy that foster carers receive a number of targeted supports to ensure they continue to function as a recognised and valued part of the alternative care system.

Key elements of this support include a link social worker, access to training and support group meetings and the allocation of a social worker for each child in care. Respite care for children may be arranged if it is part of their care plan. In addition, pre-assessment and ongoing training are compulsory for foster carers in order to equip them with the skills and knowledge to provide high quality care.

Tusla has informed me that current initiatives in fostering service include fostering recruitment and the development of therapeutic teams to support admissions to care.

In relation to supports from outside of Tusla, I am aware that Tusla provides funding for the Irish Foster Care Association which offers a range of supports to carers, including advocacy, mediation, training and a telephone advice service.

Tusla are in the process of developing a Strategic Plan on Foster Care 2022-2025. I am aware that Tusla has recently engaged with foster carers in a consultation to inform the development of the Plan.

Tusla has informed me that their ambition for this Plan is to ensure that they implement the recommendations, to promote a partnership approach with foster carers and to ensure consistency in service provision. I very much welcome these goals and I look forward to the completion of this important piece of work and the recommendations contained within.