Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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478. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if there are plans to increase the foster care allowance to families that work with Tusla given that this allowance has not been increased since 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48375/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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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. It is paid in respect of the child and 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 sports activities. The allowance is not considered as means for social welfare purposes, and is not subject to tax.

If required, Tusla can also provide additional financial supports to foster carers through either additional or enhanced payments, where relevant criteria are met.

Myself and the CEO of Tusla met last week, in the aftermath of the budget, and discussed the issues of supports to foster carers.  I recognise that foster carers, like many others, are experiencing cost of living pressures and both myself and Tusla want to respond to this in a positive and meaningful way. I am committed to pursuing all options in future budgets.

I will also work with Tusla in the coming months to ensure that foster carers have access to all available supports.

Separately the Tusla Board has on Friday 30th September 2022 considered a major improvement plan for foster care covering a wide range of issues and I am committed to working with Tusla to give certainty to implementing the steps set out in that review.

I will be engaging with foster carers and with the Irish Foster Care Association in the coming weeks.