Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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Firstly, I would like to state that foster care remains a key pillar of the alternative care system, with 90% of children in care residing in foster care. This figure compares favourably internationally and underscores the commitment among foster carers to providing safe, stable accommodation to some of the most vulnerable children and young people in the State.

I can inform the Deputy that Tusla provides grant funding to hundreds of organisations under section 56 of the Child and Family Agency Act, 2013, to provide services on behalf of Tusla and the State. The organisation referred to by the Deputy is one such organisation. Funding to each organisation is agreed annually, by way of Service Level Agreements with Tusla. Funding for the organisation in question is therefore primarily a matter for Tusla, rather than my Department.

In relation to the research referenced in the question, I can inform the Deputy that section 8 (1) (f) of the Child and Family Agency Act 2013 allows Tusla to undertake or commission research in certain circumstances as set out in the Act. I would encourage the organisation in question to make contact with Tusla, through Tusla’s National Lead on Foster Care, to progress this matter. The subject matter in question, that of barriers to foster care, is of interest to both Tusla and myself, as Minister.

I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate my commitment as Minister to prioritising foster care within my Department and I will continue to engage with Government colleagues and other stakeholders, seeking to improve the suite of supports for foster carers.