Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The foster care allowance is payable to foster carers on behalf of and to offset expenses in relation to the child in foster care. Foster carers are not employees and accordingly Tusla does not make pension contributions on their behalf.

However, I am aware that eligibility in respect of the State Pension (Contributory) is an issue of genuine concern for foster carers. I have been advised that 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.

I can inform the Deputy that I have raised the issue of improved State Pension eligibility in respect of foster carers with the Minister for Social Protection, including in the context of the recommendations in the report of the Pensions Commission in respect of long term carers, and that this engagement is ongoing.