Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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1777.To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will examine a proposal to identify and fund the most accessible and expedient interdepartmental mechanism to ensure foster carers are not penalised for their time spent caring for the most vulnerable children in society (details supplied). [31482/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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Foster carers play a vital and valued role in the care of the most vulnerable children in our society. Foster care is the preferred option for children who cannot live with their family of origin, and foster carers provide a safe, secure and stable home environment for these vulnerable children and young people.

I am aware that eligibility for the State Pension (Contributory) is an area of genuine concern for foster carers. I can inform the Deputy that the Department of Social Protection held an online information session in May of this year to provide foster carers with information about eligibility for the State Pension (Contributory).

The Department of Social Protection has a number of schemes in place that may be of benefit to foster carers. Foster carers are entitled to the benefits of PRSI credits, Homemaking Disregards and Homecaring periods where they meet the criteria, in the same way as any parent. Under these schemes, if the foster carer is in receipt of Child Benefit, or the caring periods are confirmed by Tusla, they can register for caring periods for each child under the age of 12. In the case of a child who is over 12, caring periods can be registered where the child requires continuous supervision and regular assistance throughout the day with the activities of daily living.

I can inform the Deputy that officials from my Department and I have met with the Minister for Social Protection, and officials from her Department, to discuss the issue of State Pension eligibility for foster carers on a number of occasions. I can also assure the Deputy that I will continue to work closely with Government colleagues and with relevant stakeholders in order to improve supports for foster carers.