Vol. 494 No. 6
13 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has satisfied himself with the current levels and adequacy of foster care throughout the eight health board areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18894/98]
I fully adhere to the principle that where a child requires care outside their own family, in particular if they require care for long periods, they should, as a general rule be cared for in another family. Arising from that, it is Government policy to promote foster care as the best means for caring for children outside the home and health boards are fully in agreement with this approach.
In this regard I am in the process of establishing a working group to review all aspects of foster care. The group will include representatives from the health boards, the Irish Foster Care Association and officials from the Department of Health and Children. I will be announcing the membership of this working group very shortly. I will also be announcing a number of new initiatives aimed at enhancing foster care services.
Deputies may wish to note that on 5 June this year I increased the foster care allowances from £57.75 per week to £60.25 per week for foster children under 12, and from £64.70 per week to £73.75 per week for children over the age of 12.
