Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 September 2022
338. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will review matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); if he will address the queries raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47304/22]
View answerFoster carers are paid a weekly allowance, which is a payment to meet the needs of the child in their care. 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. It is paid in respect of the child and provided in order to allow foster carers to meet all of the child's daily living needs, including food, clothing, basic travel, education costs and hobbies and sports activities. The allowance is not considered as means for social welfare purposes, and is not subject to tax.
If required, Tusla can also provide financial supports to foster carers through either additional or enhanced payments. Additional payments refers to any payment made to a foster carer that exceeds the standard rate of the fostering allowance. Such additional payments may be made in respect of children or young people who have additional needs that are not covered by the standardised fostering allowance. Additional payments can only be made where a child has additional medical or educational needs and when authorisation has been received from the Tusla Area Manager. Each application for an additional payment will be accompanied by supporting documentation evidencing the need.
Enhanced allowances for foster carers can be made when a longer term financial need is identified for additional supports for the child. A maximum of twice the weekly allowance may be paid in respect of children aged between 0-18 years if they require significant care over and above the needs of other children in foster care. This includes children who have been diagnosed with significant special needs and require a high level of personal care and supervision. The purpose of considering an enhanced allowance in these cases is to support foster carers in providing care to these children who have additional needs.
You may be aware that 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.Through this consultation, foster carers highlighted the need for the foster care allowance to be reviewed in light of inflation and increases in social welfare allowances. Tusla is currently finalising the plan, which will then be considered by my Department.
The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance falls under the remit of the Department of Social Protection. For more information on payments made by the Department of Social Protection, please contact the Department of Social Protection, Áras Mhic Dhiarmada, Store Street, Dublin 1, D01 WY03, phone 01-704 3000, or email: info@welfare.ie. Further information can also be found on the Citizen’s Advice website on www.citizensinformation.ie.
