Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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581. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to contact Tusla if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined and assistance provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36125/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The individual case raised by the Deputy has been referred to Tusla for the attention of the appropriate staff.

I am aware that eligibility for the State Pension (Contributory) is an area of genuine concern for foster carers. Last year, my Government colleague, the Minister for Social Protection oversaw the implementation of a series of landmark reforms to the State Pension system as part of the Government's response to the Pensions Commission’s recommendations. I am conscious that a key measure introduced from January 2024 is enhanced State Pension provision for people who have been caring for incapacitated dependents for over 20 years. The Long-Term Carer's Contribution will do this by attributing the equivalent of a paid contribution to long-term carers to cover gaps in their contribution record for State Pension (Contributory) purposes. Therefore, Foster Carers who have cared for an incapacitated dependent or dependents for over 20 years may also benefit from this important change.

The Department of Social Protection also has a number of other 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.