Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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148. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if she will examine the introduction of a State pension for foster carers via the existing pension for family carers, and do so in collaboration with the Minister for Social Protection; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7766/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The Programme for Government 2025 contains a commitment to develop a pension solution for foster carers in recognition of the enormous contribution they make to vulnerable children in our society, and to acknowledge their long-term commitment and to ensure that they are supported and valued after their fostering years.

Eligibility for the State Pension (Contributory) is a matter which falls under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection. The Department of Social Protection has in place a number of schemes for family carers that may already be of benefit to foster carers where they meet the criteria, in the same way as any parent.

The Young Ireland National Policy Framework for Children and Young People 2023 – 2028 also includes an action in respect of State pension eligibility for foster carers. Action 41.2 commits the Department of Social Protection to: “Consider the credits available to foster carers for periods of time spent caring with a view to supporting eligibility for the State Pension (Contributory) and also include foster carers within the proposed changes to attribute contributions for periods of long-term care (over 20 years) when caring for an incapacitated dependent.”

I will work closely with Minister Calleary and Government colleagues, to progress pension provision for foster carers.