Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 July 2022
133. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the rate of payment per week to foster parents for the care of foster children both from Tusla and from private agencies; the increase in this rate since 2008; the rate of household inflation since 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36661/22]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for this question.
The Deputy may be aware that the Child Care (Placement of Children in Foster Care) Regulations 1995, and the Child Care (Placement of Children in Relative Foster Care) Regulations 1995, stipulate that the allowance payable to foster carers should not be less than an amount specified by the Minister.
The current rates were set in 2009. The foster care allowance is currently €325 per week for a child under 12 years of age and €352 per week for a child aged 12 years and over.
The foster care allowance was last increased in 2009. I am aware that from the start of 2008 to May 2022, the Consumer Price Index has increased by approximately 13%.
I have been informed by Tusla that the foster care allowances should be the same for children in Non-Statutory (Private) Foster Care as they are for children in Tusla Foster Care.
Tusla are in the process of developing a Strategic Plan on Foster Care 2022-2025 and I am aware that Tusla has recently engaged with foster carers in a consultation to inform the development of the Plan.
I have been advised by Tusla that disparities in the fostering allowances offered to statutory foster carers when compared to private foster carers were highlighted through this consultation process. I have been further advised that Tusla is monitoring the compliance of Service Level Agreements with the Private Foster Providers to ensure that private providers are adhering to the appropriate terms and conditions.
Through this consultation, I am also aware that foster carers highlighted their view that the foster care allowance should be reviewed in light of inflation and increases in social welfare allowances.
I look forward to the finalisation of this Plan and the opportunity that will then arise for my Department to engage with Tusla on issues relating to foster care.
