Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 April 2023
106. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will engage with the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to make the case for the waiving of passport application fees for children in foster care under the aegis of Tusla, given the fact that such fees are not routinely automatically reimbursed to foster carers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18443/23]
View answerThe issue of passport application fees falls within the remit of the Department of Foreign Affairs. In relation to children in foster care requiring passports, Section 18(4) of the Child Care Act 1991 states that “Any consent given by Tusla in accordance with this section shall be sufficient authority for the carrying out of a medical or psychiatric examination or assessment. The provision of medical or psychiatric treatment, the issue of a passport or the provision of passport facilities, as the case may be.”
I have been informed that when a child in care requires a passport, Tusla follows a clear process to ensure that the correct consent is in place and that the passport application is made in a timely manner. The legal status of the child in care determines the approach taken by the social worker.
The Deputy may be aware that Tusla’s Strategic Plan for Foster Care Services for Children and Young People 2022-2025 contains a commitment for Tusla to complete a review and alignment of standard business processes and procedures within Tusla to ensure that all children and young people in care and foster carers have the same experience in relation to access, allowances information, communication and decision-making. This Tusla commitment, due for completion in Q3 of 2023, includes the processes in respect of applications for passports for children and young people in care.
I have previously assured the House that I will continue to work with Tusla, with my Government colleagues, and any other relevant stakeholders going forward, seeking to review and improve the suite of supports available to foster carers. It is in this context that I will, in conjunction with Tusla, review the situation relating to passport fees for children in care, and if necessary, I will consider engaging with the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs in this regard.
