Care Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 April 2023

Tuesday, 25 April 2023

Questions (481)

Brendan Smith

Question:

481. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason the allowance paid in respect of children taken into care is different for a relative and a non-relative of the child; if he will agree that the preference is to keep a child within the family unit if at all possible; if he accepts that the costs for providing care by a family member or non-family member will be similar and in low-income families these costs could be a barrier to such care being provided by a family relative; if he proposes to change the present arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19355/23]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

90% of the children in the care of Tusla under the Child Care Act 1991 are placed with foster carers. Foster carers, including relative foster 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.

Relative foster carers and general foster carers are paid the same weekly allowance, which is a payment to meet the needs of the child in their care. The allowance is not considered as means for social welfare purposes, and is not subject to tax.

The foster care allowance is one element of the support that Tusla provides to foster carers when they offer a home and care to children some of whom may have additional, and sometimes significant, needs. If required, Tusla can also provide financial supports to foster carers through either additional or enhanced payments.

In terms of the provision of financial supports to children who are in the care of Tusla, I can assure the Deputy that the basic foster care allowance is paid at the same rate to any person fostering a child, whether or not they are related to that child. Any payment of enhanced or additional payments that may be payable by Tusla is determined on the basis of the needs of the child in foster care, rather than on the status of the foster carer as a relative or general foster carer.

The Child Care Act 1991 is the statutory framework for child welfare and protection in Ireland. Section 3 of the Act places a statutory duty on Tusla to promote the welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care and protection. Further, the section sets out that Tusla shall “have regard to the principle that it is generally in the best interests of a child to be brought up in his own family.”

Relative foster care is an important component of foster care. As of the end of January 2023 64.3% (3,597) of children in care were in general foster care and 25.9% (1,452) were in relative foster care.