Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 April 2023
468. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the weekly allowance payable to foster carers will be increased in line with inflation or if retrospective payment will be made as current rates have remained static since 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19091/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFoster carers are paid a weekly allowance, which is a payment to meet the needs of the child in their care. 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. Enhanced and additional allowances can be paid in certain circumstances.
I am aware of concerns raised about the basic rates of the foster care allowance, which have not been increased since 2009. I am also aware of the disappointment among foster carers that provision was not made in Budget 2023 to increase the rates of the foster care allowance.
Subsequent to Budget 2023 I met with the CEO of Tusla and discussed the issue of payments for foster carers. It was agreed that a single additional once off cost of living payment in respect of each child in foster care would be paid. This payment, which was the equivalent of an additional weekly payment, was made to foster carers in November of last year. It was my intention that this once off payment would go some way to alleviating the financial pressures foster carers are currently facing.
I can assure the Deputy that it will be a priority of mine to secure an increase to the rates of the foster care allowance in future budgets.
