Aisling Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

157. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection his plans to extend social welfare payments, benefits and allowances to foster carers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33129/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Government is very aware of the key role that carers, including foster carers, play in Irish society and the challenges they face. We are fully committed to supporting all carers.The Department of Social Protection provides a comprehensive package of income supports.While foster care policy falls under the Minister for Department for Children, Disability and Equality, foster carers may still qualify for social welfare income supports if they meet the eligibility criteria.Foster Care Allowance, paid by Túsla, is not considered as means when assessing eligibility for social welfare payments.People receiving Foster Care Allowance are now be eligible for the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance, provided they meet the qualifying conditions for the payment. An estimated 2,300 children are expected to benefit from this. Applications for this scheme are now open until 30 September.The current State Pension Contributory system provides measures including PRSI credits, Homemaking Disregards and HomeCaring Periods to recognise caring periods of up to 20 years outside of paid employment in the calculation of a payment rate. Foster carers are entitled to the benefits of the Homemaker’s Scheme or HomeCaring Periods, and they may also be entitled to long-term carer’s contributions where they meet the criteria and 20-year threshold.Officials from my Department have met with Foster Carer Representatives and provided detailed explanations on State pension system and the related contributions and the options open to them.I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.