Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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157. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether the gaps in support for kinship carers and their families will be addressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52164/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The Programme for Government contains commitments with regard to kinship carers. Accordingly, the Department is in the process of developing a national policy on the rights of children living in informal kinship care. As part of the development of the national policy the Department:

• is in the process of completing the scoping exercise on informal kinship care in Ireland. This exercise will cover relevant legislation, the current reality for families in these arrangements including current access to supports, as well as a review of national and international literature and international perspectives and examples of best practice;
• is ensuring that the voice of the child is present from the earliest possible stage. Consultations with children and young people with experience of informal kinship care arrangements concluded in September. This approach is aligned with Article 12 of the UNCRC and the requirement that the child's views must be considered and taken into account in all matters affecting him or her;
• is concluding research to better understand the experiences of kinship carers, which will be finalised at the end of 2025.
• is concluding a consultation, via survey, with parents of children with experience of informal kinship care, which will also be completed at the end of 2025.