Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
1354. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if there are plans to provide an entitlement to an increase in allowances (details supplied) for foster parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40252/22]
View answerThe 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 of payment 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.
Tusla are in the process of developing a Strategic Plan on Foster Care 2022-2025, and I am informed that Tusla has recently engaged with foster carers in a consultation to inform the development of the Plan. Through this consultation, I am 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 am also aware that the Deputy has referred to a number of other potential supports for foster carers in his query, some of which are within the remit of other Government Departments.
I look forward to the finalisation of Tusla’s Strategic Plan on Foster Care and the opportunity that will then arise for my Department to engage with Tusla, and other organisations such as Government Departments where necessary, on issues relating to foster care and supports for foster carers.
