Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2023
826. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware of the demands put forward by an organisation (details supplied); if he supports these demands; if he will ensure that they are implemented in Budget 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39780/23]
View answerIn respect of the current rate of the foster care allowance, I am conscious that this payment was last increased in 2009 and I am aware of the disappointment among foster carers that no increase to the foster care allowance was secured in Budget 2023. I can assure the Deputy that it is a priority of mine to seek to secure an increase to the foster care allowance in the upcoming budget.
In relation to travel expenses incurred by foster carers, I am aware that some foster carers can incur significant costs in relation to travel in respect of foster children that are not currently capable of being recouped. I can advise the Deputy that my officials and I are engaging with Tusla in respect of seeking to improve the financial support foster carers can avail of when they incur such expenses.
Further, I am also aware of issues raised by foster carers in respect of supports which fall under the remit of the Department of Social Protection. These include the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance and the issue of State Pension contributions for foster carers. I have spoken about these matters with the Minister for Social Protection and engagement between our Departments on these issues is ongoing.
In the upcoming Budget and in the future, I will continue to work closely with relevant stakeholders, including colleagues in Government and representative organisations, seeking to review and improve the suite of supports foster carers can avail of.
