Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 December 2022
453. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the back-to-school allowance will be paid to foster carers at the next academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62003/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance, which is administered by the Department of Social Protection, is not payable in respect of foster children.
The Foster Care Allowance is currently €325 per week for a child under 12 years of age and €352 per week for a child aged 12 years and over. The allowance is not considered as means for social welfare purposes, and is not subject to tax. This allowance is provided in order to allow foster carers to meet all of the child’s daily living needs, including the cost of clothing and footwear and school related items.
If required, Tusla can also provide additional financial supports to foster carers through either additional or enhanced payments. Additional payments refers to any payment made to a foster carer that exceeds the standard rate of the Fostering Allowance. Such additional payments may be made in respect of children or young people who have additional needs that are not covered by the standardised Fostering Allowance. Additional payments can only be made where a child has additional medical or educational needs and when authorisation has been received from the Tusla Area Manager.
I am aware however that foster carers have highlighted the effect that the current cost of living crisis is having on them and have raised the issue of the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance. The Back to School and Footwear Allowance is administered by my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection. I have some initial engagement with her in relation to this, and other issues raised by foster carers, and I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to work with her and with Tusla and any other relevant stakeholders in the coming months to review and seek to improve supports available to foster parents.
