Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
971. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason foster allowance reduces at 18 years of age, even if the person is in full-time education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47251/23]
View answerFoster carers are paid a weekly allowance, which is a payment in respect 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.
The foster care allowance is a payment in respect of each child and young person in care. 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.
As outlined in Budget 2024, from 1st January 2024 the rates of the foster care allowance will increase by €25 per week, up to €350 per week for children aged under 12 and €377 per week for those over 12. The foster care allowance will be further increased in November 2024, up to €400 per week for children aged under 12 and €425 per week for those over 12.
Upon reaching the age of 18, the young person is deemed to have left care. All eligible care leavers are supported through aftercare services provided by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. Care leavers, depending on need, may be allocated an aftercare worker, and all care leavers, without exception or age limit, can attend drop-in centres organised by the Tusla aftercare service.
Tusla also provides financial support to eligible care leavers who are engaged in a qualifying educational course or training programme. The aftercare allowance amounts to €300 per week and is dependent on the eligible young adult attending an accredited education course, third level course or training programme as outlined in the young adult’s Aftercare Plan. The allowance is provided to cover a young adults day to day costs, including accommodation as they progress in their chosen accredited course or training program.
The Child Care Act (Amended) 1991 sets out that where Tusla is providing assistance to a person in accordance with an aftercare plan by arranging for the completion of education and by contributing to maintenance while completing education, and that person attains the age of 21 years, Tusla may continue to provide that assistance until the completion of the course of education or the end of the academic year during which the person attains the age of 23, whichever is the earlier.
In addition, care leavers may also be entitled to a number of additional financial supports in respect of education which include the SUSI Grant (which is payable at the higher rate for care leavers) and the Tusla Dormant Accounts funded Bursary Scheme. Care leavers not engaged in education and not in employment are eligible for full Jobseekers Allowance (€220, rising to €232 per week from January 2024) rather than the reduced rate, provided that they were in the care of Tusla for 12 months prior to their 18th birthday.
