Fianna Fáil Senator Malcolm Byrne, has said foster care is the 'lynchpin' of care in Ireland and called for early implementation of the increase of the foster care allowance, announced as part of Budget 2024.
Senator Byrne was speaking following a meeting between the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party and foster carers who eloquently spoke to their experiences and provided insight into the realities of being a foster carer in Ireland today.
He said, "There are around 6,000 children in care in Ireland, and about 90% of those are in foster care. Foster carers are individuals who have a passion for what they do and they care for some of the most vulnerable children and young people in society. They do amazing work and provide security and shelter while at the same time ensuring the child or young person can realise his or her own potential.
"It is fair to say however, that the sector is in crisis. The Irish Foster Care Association, in a survey of 460 carers this year, found that 76% of those surveyed would not recommend fostering due to financial pressures and the lack of support from the State. Those are the two critical reasons we have a recruitment and retention problem in this area.
"A foster parent is paid €325 per week for children under the age of 12, and €352 for those aged 12 plus. Those payments were increased in Budget 2024 for the first time since 2009, which is to be welcomed.
"As it currently stands from 1st January next year the rates of the foster care allowance will increase by €25 per week, up to €350 per week for children aged under 12 and €377 per week for those over 12. The rate will be further increased in November bringing it to €400 per week for children aged under 12 and €425 for those over 12. My party colleagues and I in Fianna Fáil are of the view that the increase in the weekly allowance to €400 should be implemented from January, not November as is currently the case. We feel this is something that could and should be accommodated in the Finance Bill.
"Foster carers have also expressed concern that for those who take time out of work to engage in foster caring, it can be difficult for them to qualify for a State contributory pension. It is absolutely essential that foster carers are recognised for the role they play in providing essential care for children under the care of the State who would otherwise be housed in residential services.
"I am also calling on the Government to ensure foster carers automatically qualify for the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance. Many foster children arrive to a foster family with only the clothes on their back. This payment would go a long way to helping foster parents to provide school clothing and supplies, which they currently pay for out of their own pocket.
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