Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 29 Jun 1999

Vol. 507 No. 2

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Noel Ahern

Ceist:

167 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will give details of the situation whereby children being looked after by grandparents and other person where mother or father has left or are unable to cope are being dealt with and supported in different ways leading to perceived unfair treatment; his views on the regulations; if he will bring standardisation of treatment for children whose guardians currently receive (a) no allowance except child benefit, (b) £13.20 of unemployment benefit, (c) £51.60 for orphan's allowance and (d) fostering allowance from health boards; if orphan's allowance will be given where the mother is missing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16722/99]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. Fahey)

Foster care allowances are paid in respect of children who are in the care of health boards in accordance with the Child Care (Placement of Children in Foster Care) Regulations 1995 and the Child Care (Placement of Children with Relatives) Regulations 1995. The standard rate of allowance payable, effective from 1 June 1999, is £68.05 per child per week for those under 12 years of age and £75.35 per child per week for those over 12 years of age. In addition there are a number of discretionary payments made by health boards which cover such items as medical, school or clothing expenses.

The Deputy may be aware that I recently established a working group on foster care which will be reviewing the issue of allowances.

The payment of child benefit and orphans allowance are a matter for the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs.