Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 December 2022
451. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department can confirm that there will be a comprehensive package for foster carers in the next Budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62001/22]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that I am acutely aware that foster carers at this present time are experiencing significant cost of living pressures and the challenges this brings to caring for the children under their care.
It was in this context that the CEO of Tusla and I met following the budget and agreed a single additional once-off cost of living payment for each child in foster care to be paid at the rate of €325 for a child under 12 and €352 for a child over 12.
Although this payment will go some way to alleviate the immediate financial pressures foster carers are facing, I see it as one part of a wider body of work required to improve the supports available to foster carers. While the Deputy will be aware that I am not in a position at this point to give any assurances in respect of the outcome of the budget discussions in 2023, I can assure him that an increase in the rate of the foster care payment will be a priority for me in future budgets.
The Deputy may also be aware that Tusla’s Strategic Plan for Foster Care Services for Children and Young People 2022 – 2025 contains a number of recommendations aimed at improving the supports available to foster carers. My Department looks forward to engaging with Tusla in respect of these recommendations and the proposals contained within each of them.
Further, the Deputy will be aware that some issues relating to other financial supports, which have been raised by foster carers, fall within the remit of the Department of Social Protection. I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to work with Tusla and with my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection, in the coming months to review and seek to improve supports available to foster carers.
