Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 October 2022
507. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department will shorten the time that foster parents have to wait to receive the child benefit payment for children in their care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53286/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMatters in respect of Child Benefit entitlements are solely the remit of the Department of Social Protection. I am aware however that foster parents are required to wait 6 months after a foster child is placed in their care, before they are entitled to claim Child Benefit. Further, I am also conscious that this issue was raised by foster carers during the consultation process that preceded Tusla's Strategic Plan for Foster Care Services for Children and Young People 2022 – 2025.
I will continue to work with my colleagues in Government and other relevant stakeholders in the coming months to improve the supports available to foster carers.
