Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 December 2023
488. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the total number of children currently in fosterage; the number in protective residential care; the extent of the ongoing demand arising from the need to ensure the welfare and well-being of all such children, the availability of the required personnel and resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56258/23]
View answerAs of the end of September 2023, there were 5,558 children in care. Approximately 90% (5,003) were in foster care, 7% (397) in residential care and 3% (158) in other care placements.
Tusla has recently experienced increased challenges in its delivery of services, which have arisen due to a number of factors, including but not limited to a reduction in the number of foster carers over time, increasing complexity of children being referred to Tusla, and difficulties in Tusla securing staff. In addition, Ireland is now accommodating over 100,000 persons fleeing the conflict in Ukraine and International Protection applicants, resulting in significant pressure on State services. In addressing these challenges, there are a number of actions being progressed both by Tusla and by my Department.
In respect of foster care, it was a priority of mine to secure a meaningful increase to the foster care allowance in this year’s Budget in order to support the vital role being carried out by foster carers. Improving supports for foster carers will play a key role in meeting the increased demands faced by Tusla and the alternative care system.
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.
These increases mean that foster carers will receive over €1,700 additional funding per child over the course of 2024, amounting to an extra €300 per month by the end of 2024 for each child placed with them, when compared with the current allowance. The changes in Budget 2024 will bring the annual rate of the foster care allowance to an amount of €20,800 for a child under 12 and €22,100 for a child over 12. I can also give my assurance that I will continue to prioritise the foster care allowance in future budgets.
Further, Tusla have also operated public awareness campaigns in order to promote the recruitment of foster carers, and have developed and published a Strategic Plan for Foster Care Services for Children and Young People 2022-2025, which contains a number of recommendations aimed at improving the supports available to foster carers.
In addition, Tusla’s Strategic Plan for Residential Care Services for Children and Young People 2022-2025 outlines the Agency’s aim to increase public residential capacity within the alternative care system.
I will continue to engage closely with relevant stakeholders, including Tusla, Government colleagues, and representative organisations, in order to meet the increased challenges which I have outlined, and to support the delivery of high quality care to children and young people.
