Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
1091. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on the engagement there has been with foster carers to deliver on their asks regarding the foster care allowance, pension issues, and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37159/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFoster care is the preferred option for children who cannot live with their birth family. Foster carers play a vital role in enabling our most vulnerable children to live in a safe, secure and stable home environment. Approximately 90% of children in care in Ireland are being cared for by foster carers. I am aware of a number of issues affecting foster carers which have been highlighted in recent times. My Department and I continue to engage with stakeholders and colleagues in Government in relation to improving supports for foster carers in recognition of the important work they do. In this context, I have met with foster care representative organisations.
It has been highlighted by a number of foster carers and organisations that the foster care allowance has not been increased since 2009 and in this context, I am very conscious of the disappointment among foster carers that no increase to the foster care allowance was secured in Budget 2023. However, I can assure the Deputy that it is a priority of mine to seek to secure an increase to the foster care allowance in the upcoming budget.
Foster carers have also raised concerns about a number of issues relating to supports under the remit of the Department of Social Protection. These include the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance and the issue of State Pension contributions. I have highlighted matters concerning foster carers with the Minister for Social Protection and engagement between our Departments on this issue is ongoing.
In addition, my Department has had ongoing engagement with Tusla in relation to improving supports for foster carers in line with the Strategic Plan for Foster Care Services 2022-2025. As part of the development of this plan, the lived experiences of people who are both providing and accessing Tusla foster care services were considered in the consultation process, and a number of key recommendations were identified. In this context, I welcome the recent appointment of a National Lead for Foster Care in Tusla, who will have responsibility for implementation of the key recommendations from the Strategic Plan.
My Department and I will be seeking to improve foster care supports in the lead-up to Budget 2024. I will continue to engage closely with relevant stakeholders, including representative organisations, in seeking to review and improve supports available to foster carers.
