Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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999. 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 requests regarding the foster care allowance, pension issues and so on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47564/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Foster carers play a vital role providing stable and caring homes for our most vulnerable children. Foster care is recognised as the preferred care setting for a child in the care of the State.

My Department has overseen record investment in foster carers, including a 21% increase to the foster care allowance in Budget 2024, resulting in a weekly allowance for foster carers of €400 per week for children aged under 12, and €425 per week for those over 12.

Additionally, in 2025 foster carers now receive a bonus payment at the start of each initial foster care placement. This payment aims to alleviate the substantial out-of-pocket expenses that can be incurred by foster carers during the initial period after a child is placed in their care.

A revised Mileage Payment Scheme for foster carers also came into effect in April 2025. This broadens the categories of journeys which may be considered eligible for payment under the Foster Care Travel Payments Scheme. Additionally, the cumulative weekly travel distance to qualify for these payments has been reduced from 300km to 250km.

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 welcome the recent announcement of the extension of eligibility for the Back to School Allowance to encompass foster carers. This measure is an important step in the Government’s commitment to providing further support to children in foster care. Payment of the Allowance falls wholly under the remit of the Department of Social Protection, and is aimed at helping families with the extra costs of clothing and footwear while attending school.

Additionally, I am aware that eligibility for the State Pension (Contributory) is an area of genuine concern for foster carers. The PfG 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. 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. I look forward to working closely with the Minister for Social Protection and Government colleagues, to progress efforts to improve pension provision 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, and I am keenly 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.