Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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2479. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will provide an update on the engagement there has been with foster carers to deliver on their asks regarding the foster care allowance, pension issues etc; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43551/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The Programme for Government 2025 (PfG) sets out the Government’s intention to provide further support for foster carers, including further increases to the foster care allowance and the new Initial Placement Payment, a commitment to examine pension provision for foster carers, and examine eligibility for the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance.

I am aware that eligibility for the State Pension (Contributory) is an area of genuine concern for foster carers. The PfG specifically 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.

It should be noted that 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. I welcome the recent decision by the Minister for Social Protection to extend eligibility for the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance to include eligible foster carers.

My Department has overseen a significant increase in investment in foster care supports, including in relation to the foster care allowance, which was increased to €400 per week for children aged under 12, and €425 per week for those over 12 in 2024. These increases mean that foster carers received over €1,700 additional funding per child over the course of 2024. In 2025, this means that foster carers receive an additional €3,900 in allowances, depending on the age of the child in their care.

I will work closely with Minister Calleary and Government colleagues, to progress supports for foster carers. I have met with a number of foster care stakeholder bodies since becoming Minister for Children, including the Irish Foster Care Association (IFCA), and I am aware of the current challenges facing the sector. As Minister I fully intend to prioritise foster care and ensure that we build upon the suite of supports of which foster carers can avail.