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. The allowance is not considered as means for social welfare purposes, and is not subject to tax. Enhanced and additional allowances can be paid in certain circumstances.

I am aware of concerns raised about the basic rates of the foster care allowance, which have not been increased since 2009. I am also aware of the disappointment among foster carers that provision was not made in Budget 2023 to increase the rates of the foster care allowance.

Subsequent to Budget 2023 I met with the CEO of Tusla and discussed the issue of payments for foster carers. It was agreed that a single additional once off cost of living payment in respect of each child in foster care would be paid. This payment, which was the equivalent of an additional weekly payment, was made to foster carers in November of last year. It was my intention that this once off payment would go some way to alleviating the financial pressures foster carers are currently facing.

I can assure the Deputy that it will be a priority of mine to secure an increase to the rates of the foster care allowance in future budgets.

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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As this relates to Tusla operational matters, the question has been forwarded to Tusla for direct reply to the Deputy.

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I am aware that eligibility in respect of the State Pension (Contributory) is an issue of genuine concern for foster carers. The Department of Social Protection has some measures available to recognise caring periods outside of paid employment in the calculation of a State Pension payment. Credit for Home Caring Periods may be awarded to a maximum of 20 years and foster carers are entitled to the benefits of this scheme, on the same basis as other carers, once certain qualifying criteria are met.

Further, the Report of the Pensions Commission contains a recommendation in respect of long-term carers. Specifically, the Commission recommends that long-term carers (defined as caring for more than 20 years) should be given access to the State Pension Contributory by having retrospective contributions paid for them by the Exchequer when approaching pension age for any gaps in their contribution history arising from caring.

I can advise that officials from my Department have been engaging with their counterparts in the Department of Social Protection in respect of this recommendation, in relation to the inclusion of foster carers within the cohort of long-term carers.

I will continue to work with my Government colleagues and any other relevant stakeholders seeking to improve the supports available to foster carers.

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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As of the end of January 2023 approximately 90% of children in care were being cared for by foster carers. While this record compares favourably internationally, I am aware that there is an ongoing difficulty in maintaining the number of foster carers in Ireland in line with demand for these placements.

Additionally I am aware of concerns raised by stakeholders in respect of the basic rates of the foster care allowance and issues around recruitment and retention of foster carers. I can inform the Deputy that a priority of mine going forward will be to secure an increase to the foster care allowance in future budgets.

Subsequent to Budget 2023 I met with Tusla, and discussed the issue of payments for foster carers. It was agreed that a single additional once off cost of living payment in respect of each child in foster care would be paid. This payment, which was the equivalent of an additional weekly payment, was made to foster carers in November of last year. It was my intention that this once off payment would go some way to alleviating the financial pressures foster carers are currently facing.

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 assure the Deputy that I will continue to work with Tusla and with my Government colleagues and any other relevant stakeholders going forward, seeking to review and improve the suite of supports available to foster carers.

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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As this relates to Tusla operational matters, the question has been forwarded to Tusla for direct reply to the Deputy.