Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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541. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he recognises the outstanding contribution that foster carers make to Irish society; his plans, if any, to increase the rate paid for the fostering allowance, which has not been increased since 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49800/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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Foster care is the preferred option in Ireland for children who cannot live with their parents or guardians. Approximately 89% of children in care are currently being cared for by foster carers, enabling them to live in a safe, secure, and stable home environment. I fully recognise the contribution made by foster carers, in caring for some of the State's most vulnerable children.

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.

Myself and the CEO of Tusla met in the aftermath of the budget, and discussed the issues of supports to foster carers.

Following this engagement it has been agreed that a single additional once-off cost of living payment in respect of each child in foster care is to be paid as soon as practicable. The payment is to be made at the current foster care allowance rate of €325 for a child under 12 and €352 for a child over 12 and under 18, and is intended to assist in alleviating the financial pressures foster carers are currently facing.

It is the intention of Tusla and my Department that the payment should issue before the end of 2022, to all applicable cohorts of foster carers, including foster carers working with private providers.

I will continue to work with Tusla in the coming months to improve the supports available to foster carers. I will also pursue an increase in the current rate of the foster care allowance in future budgets.

Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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542. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will increase the fostering allowance given that it has not changed since 2005; if an extra allowance can be given by Tusla for the fostering of children with special needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49805/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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Foster care is the preferred option in Ireland for children who cannot live with their parents or guardians. Approximately 89% of children in care are currently being cared for by foster carers, enabling them to live in a safe, secure, and stable home environment.

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.

In addition an enhanced allowance rate may be paid in respect of children aged between 0 -18 years if they require significant care over and above the needs of other children in foster care. This includes children who have been diagnosed with significant special needs and require a high level of personal care and supervision. The purpose of considering an enhanced allowance in these cases is to support foster carers in providing care to these children who have additional needs. A maximumof twice the weekly allowance may be paid to eligible foster carers in such circumstances.

Myself and the CEO of Tusla met in the aftermath of the budget, and discussed the issues of supports to foster carers.

Following this engagement it has been agreed that a single additional once-off cost of living payment in respect of each child in foster care is to be paid before the end of 2022. The payment is to be made at the current foster care allowance rate of €325 for a child under 12 and €352 for a child over 12, and is intended to assist in alleviating the financial pressures foster carers are currently facing.

It is the intention of Tusla and my Department that the payment should issue before the end of 2022, to all applicable cohorts of foster carers, including foster carers working with private providers.

I will continue to work with Tusla in the coming months to improve the supports available to foster carers. I will also pursue an increase in the current rate of the foster care allowance in future budgets.