Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 September 2025
650. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to develop a pension solution for foster carers in recognition of the enormous contribution they make to vulnerable children in our society as committed in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51721/25]
View answerMatters relating to foster carers, previously foster parents, are the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality.
This Government acknowledges the important role that carers, including foster carers, play and remains fully committed to supporting them. The State Pension (Contributory) system already provides a range of measures to recognise caring periods outside of paid employment, such as PRSI credits, Homemaking Disregards, and HomeCaring Periods to recognise caring periods of up to 20 years outside of paid employment in the calculation of a payment rate.
Foster carers are entitled to benefit from these measures on the same basis as other carers and parents. If they are not in receipt of Child Benefit, they can still qualify for the Homemaker’s Scheme or HomeCaring Periods provided the caring periods are confirmed by Tusla. Foster carers can register for up to 20 years caring periods for child under the age of 12, or for children over the age of 12 in the case of a child who requires additional nursing care.
Since January 2024, long-term carer's contributions can be awarded to a person who has cared for an incapacitated person demanding full-time care for a period of 20 years or more. These contributions are treated the same as paid contributions for State Pension (Contributory) entitlement only and can be used to fill any gaps in a person's contribution record, including satisfying the minimum 520 contributions, or 10 years, required for eligibility.
Foster carers who have cared for an incapacitated dependent or dependents for over 20 years also benefit from this provision.
These measures assist foster carers to access the State pension system in the same way as biological or adoptive parents, while ensuring that the system remains sustainable.
Officials in my Department have had engagement with the Department for Children, Disability and Equality, with Tusla and have provided foster carers with details on the State Pension system to highlight the entitlements under the existing scheme.
As set out in the Programme for Government, pension provisions for foster carers will be examined to acknowledge their long-term commitment and ensure valued support after their fostering years. My Department will continue to engage with the Department for Children, Disability and Equality, with Tusla and with other stakeholders on this issue as necessary.
Any future changes to State Pension system would have to be considered in the overall policy and budgetary context, including the sustainability of the Social Insurance Fund.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
