Vol. 464 No. 3
53 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Health if the recent approval of the foster care allowance to those fostering children over 12 years of age can be extended, where entitled, to foster parents caring for children under 12 year of age; if a general review can be undertaken of the allowances and benefits available to his category of foster parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8164/96]
I have been aware for some time of the widespread concern about the level of financial supports available to foster parents. This problem is being addressed in the context of the resources made available for the implementation of the Child Care Act, 1991. A significant proportion of the additional £35 million provided for this purpose to health boards in the years 1993 to 1996 has been used by boards to develop all aspects of their fostering services. As part of this process, I decided to increase, from 1 March last, the foster care allowance to £60 per child per week in respect of children age 12 years and over. This initiative, which involves additional funding in the region of £1 million per year, is supplementary to the normal annual increases in fostering allowances granted in line with social welfare rates.
I appreciate that improvements are also required in relation to the level of allowance for foster children under 12 years of age. I consider the recent increase as a first phase in the provision of improved financial supports to foster parents. Subject to availability of resources I intend to continue to improve the level of allowances next year. Health boards may pay higher rates of allowances in particular foster cases here, for example, a child has a disability or has other special needs. Boards also make a range of additional payments to cover items such as clothing, school and medical items.
