Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 April 2023
471. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will examine additional payments for foster carers in order to recruit more foster carers into the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19094/23]
View answerAs of the end of January 2023 approximately 90% of children in care were being cared for by foster carers. While this record compares favourably internationally, I am aware that there is an ongoing difficulty in maintaining the number of foster carers in Ireland in line with demand for these placements.
Additionally I am aware of concerns raised by stakeholders in respect of the basic rates of the foster care allowance and issues around recruitment and retention of foster carers. I can inform the Deputy that a priority of mine going forward will be to secure an increase to the foster care allowance in future budgets.
Subsequent to Budget 2023 I met with Tusla, and discussed the issue of payments for foster carers. It was agreed that a single additional once off cost of living payment in respect of each child in foster care would be paid. This payment, which was the equivalent of an additional weekly payment, was made to foster carers in November of last year. It was my intention that this once off payment would go some way to alleviating the financial pressures foster carers are currently facing.
Additionally I have been engaging with Tusla around the issue of travel costs incurred by foster carers when they are facilitating access or medical visits for the foster child.
I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to work with Tusla and with my Government colleagues and any other relevant stakeholders going forward, seeking to review and improve the suite of supports available to foster carers.
