Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2021
566. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason foster parents are required to be available for work in order to avail of jobseeker’s payments when they are not allowed to leave the child with a childminder under the terms of fostering; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26499/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe two main income supports provided by my Department for people who are unable to find full time employment are Jobseeker's Benefit, which is based on a person's social insurance contributions paid while in employment and Jobseeker's Allowance which is a means tested payment.
To be eligible for a Jobseeker’s payment a person must satisfy all of the qualifying conditions of the statutory scheme, including being available for and genuinely seeking work, which are fundamental requirements of being a jobseeker. A foster carer may not be in a position to satisfy the conditions for a jobseeker’s payment due to the responsibilities of that role.
The provision of fostering services is a matter for Tusla (The Child and Family Agency). This includes any supports, including financial, that are required by the foster parent or the foster child. A weekly payment is payable to the foster carer by Tusla. The foster care allowance is currently €325 per week per child under 12 and €352 per week per child over 12 These rates are above the maximum weekly personal rate of €241 for a Jobseeker and a qualified child under 12 years or €248 in the case of a jobseeker and a qualified child over 12 years.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
