Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 April 2026
412. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether net foster carer figures are being used in policy assessment by her Department; the way in which attrition of foster carers is being addressed alongside recruitment; the way in which the foster system capacity is being monitored in real terms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31611/26]
View answerFoster carers play a vital role providing stable and caring homes for our most vulnerable children. Foster care is recognised as the preferred care setting for a child in the care of the State. As of Q4 2025, 86% of children in care were being cared for by foster carers, a figure which compares favourably internationally.
However, it is recognised that the State faces an ongoing challenge in maintaining a sufficient number of foster carers, in light of the growing demand for Tusla services, and the increasing complexity of many of the cases presenting to Tusla.
Tusla publishes detailed information regarding the recruitment of foster carers on its data and analytics site www.tusla.ie/data-figures/. While the number of foster carers on the panel has decreased overall in recent years. In 2025 however, Tusla approved 223 foster carers, an improvement over the 2024 figure of 211.
The Department is acutely aware of the concerns and issues raised by foster carers, that may be barriers to continuing to foster. The Department has overseen record investment in foster carers, including a 21% increase to the foster care allowance in Budget 2024, resulting in a weekly allowance for foster carers of €400 per week for children aged under 12, and €425 per week for those over 12.
Additionally, in 2025 foster carers began to receive a bonus payment at the start of each initial foster care placement. This payment aims to alleviate the substantial out-of-pocket expenses that can be incurred by foster carers during the initial period after a child is placed in their care.
In addition, a new pilot peer support model has been introduced to assist new foster carers, allowing for direct support, guidance and advice from more experienced foster carers.
A revised Mileage Payment Scheme for foster carers also came into effect in April 2025. This broadens the categories of journeys which may be considered eligible for payment under the Foster Care Travel Payments Scheme. Additionally, the cumulative weekly travel distance to qualify for these payments has been reduced from 300km to 250km.
Tusla is also launching a fostering counselling service in May 2026, in acknowledgement of the unique challenges faced by those choosing to provide a safe home for some of the country's most vulnerable children. The service will deliver trauma-informed therapeutic support provided by qualified professionals, either in-person, by phone or online. The service is established on a pilot basis, with funding through Dormant Accounts Fund (DAF) of €300,000 for one year.
Additionally, work is advancing within the Department on the development of a National Policy Framework for Alternative Care, which will deliver on a Programme for Government commitment to develop a national plan on alternative care. Officials of the Department are developing this Framework on the basis of evidence and robust consultation with stakeholders, care experienced individuals, and the public.
The consultation received a large number of public submissions, including from foster carers. The consultation process has also included a number of constructive in-person engagements with foster carers and their representative bodies. In December 2025, officials attended the Irish Foster Care Association's Fostering Insights webinar to provide information to IFCA members about the National Policy Framework and what it will mean for foster carers.
The current Programme for Government commits this Government to increase the Foster Care Allowance and to ensure increases in the new Initial Placement Payment. The Minister will work closely with colleagues in Government to ensure that foster carers remain a priority in future Budget considerations.
