Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
1347. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if there are plans to increase the pension contributions or pay increases per child for foster carers who are unable to take up other employment due to their role as a foster carer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56761/23]
View answerIt was a priority of mine to secure a meaningful increase to the foster care allowance in Budget 2024 in order to support the vital role being carried out by foster carers. The Foster Care Allowance rates are being increased on a phased basis. The first increase was payable from 1st January 2024, with a further increase to be payable from 1st November 2024.
As and from 1st January 2024, payments under the Foster Care Allowance Scheme were increased by €25 per week per child, from €325 to €350 for a child aged under 12, and from €352 to €377 for a child aged over 12.
As and from 1st November 2024, payments under the Scheme will further increase by €50 per week, from €350 to €400 for a child aged under 12, and by €48 per week, from €377 to €425 for a child over 12.
These increases mean that foster carers will receive over €1,700 additional funding per child over the course of 2024 and in 2025 foster carers will receive an additional €3,900 over the course of the year.
In respect of foster carers taking up paid employment outside the home, Tusla has advised that the assessment of any foster carer must consider the foster carer’s expected availability to meet and support the needs of a child who has come into care. I have been further advised that the assessment and approval process explores what type of care the prospective foster carer can best offer to a child depending on factors such as accommodation, the age of any children in their home, the foster carer’s availability and their experience. Tusla does consider working foster carers but the main consideration will be their availability to meet the child’s needs. For many children it will be necessary for one carer to be at home full-time.
Foster carers are not employees and accordingly Tusla does not make pension contributions on their behalf. The foster care allowance is in respect of and for the benefit of the child in foster care. The allowance is not considered as means for social welfare purposes, and is not subject to tax. The allowance is one element of the support provided by Tusla to foster carers when they provide a home and care to children who may have additional and sometimes significant vulnerabilities.
In respect of the issue of eligibility for the State Pension (contributory), I am aware that this is an area of concern for foster carers. I have highlighted this matter with the Minister for Social Protection and engagement between our two Departments on this issue is ongoing.
