Children in Care

Tuesday, 23 June 2026

Questions (598, 599)

Malcolm Byrne

Question:

598. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of foster carers in Ireland. [46869/26]

View answer

Malcolm Byrne

Question:

599. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of children in foster care in Ireland. [46870/26]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality

I propose to take Questions Nos. 598 and 599 together.

Foster carers play a vital role in enabling our most vulnerable children to live in a safe, secure and stable home environment. We know that foster care is the best possible placement for children in the care of the State who cannot live with their family of origin.

According to Tusla's latest quarterly Performance and Activity Report at the end of March 2026, there were 5,952 children in care. Of those, 5,078 were in foster care.

At the same time, Tusla reported there were 3,147 Tusla foster carers on the approved panel, comprising 2,125 general foster carers and 1,022 relative foster carers.

Question No. 599 answered with Question No. 598.