Vol. 543 No. 3
122 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason no consideration was given to the care of disabled children when the foster care allowances were reviewed earlier in 2001; the action he is taking to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27121/01]
As the Deputy is aware, the foster care allowance is paid in respect of any child who is placed in foster care under the Child Care (Placement of Children in Foster Care) Regulations, 1995, or the Child Care (Placement of Children with Relatives) Regulations, 1995. The issue of the needs of children with disabilities in foster care is dealt with in the report of the working group on foster care, which was published in May of this year. The report contains a wide range of recommendations regarding the foster care service, including a series of recommendations in relation to children with additional needs. The Government is committed in principle to implementing the recommendations contained in the report on a phased basis.
