Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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524. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will consider increasing the rates of pay for foster carers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59217/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The Child Care (Placement of Children in Foster Care) Regulations, 1995 and the Child Care (Placement of Children with Relatives) Regulations, 1995, stipulate that the allowance payable to foster carers and relatives shall not be less than an amount specified by the Minister.

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. The allowance is not considered as means for social welfare purposes, and is not subject to tax.

In addition to the foster care allowance, 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.

The foster care allowance is one element of the support that Tusla provides to carers when they offer a home and care to children some of whom may have additional, and sometimes significant, needs.

I am acutely aware that foster parents at this present time are experiencing significant financial pressures and the challenges this brings to caring for the children under their care.

Myself and the CEO of Tusla met in the aftermath of the budget, and it was agreed that a single additional once-off cost of living payment in respect of each child in foster care is to be paid. 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. I am informed that the payment should issue in November 2022 to all applicable cohorts of foster carers.

Additionally I have been engaging with Tusla around the issue of travel costs incurred by foster carers when they are facilitating access or medical visits for the foster child. I can advise that Tusla has committed to reviewing the current supports available to foster carers in respect of travel costs. Tusla have advised that they will be in a position to provide an update to me on their proposals in the latter half of February 2023.

I will continue to work with Tusla and with my Government colleagues and any other relevant stakeholders in the coming months to review and seek to improve supports available to foster parents.