Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 June 2026
432. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the supports in place for foster carers who foster a baby (up to 12 months old); if consideration has been given to providing paid leave for foster carers who foster babies up to 12 months old; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46473/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFoster carers play a vital and valued role in the care of the most vulnerable children in our society. Foster care is the preferred option for children who cannot live with their family of origin, and foster carers provide a safe, secure and stable home environment for these vulnerable children and young people.
This Department has overseen record investment in foster carers, including a 21% increase to the foster care allowance over the past two years, resulting in the current weekly allowance for children in foster care of €400 per week for children aged under 12, and €425 per week for those over 12. This means that foster carers now receive between €20,800 and €22,100 per year for each child in their care, depending on the age of the child.
Additionally, in 2025 a bonus payment at the start of each initial foster care placement was introduced. 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. This measure will be of particular assistance to those foster carers caring for children under 12 months.
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.
Regarding parental leave, foster carers do not come within the definition of a relevant parent for paternity leave, or parent’s leave. However, under the Parental Leave Act 1998, as amended, an employee who is a relevant parent in respect of a child under the age 12 is entitled to unpaid parental leave for each child. Where a child has a disability or long-term illness, the entitlement can continue until the child is 16. A relevant parent is a parent, an adoptive parent, or a person acting in ‘loco parentis’. Parental leave entitlements were extended in 2019 from 18 weeks to 26 weeks, and the time period in which the leave can be taken was extended from when the child attains the age of 8 years to when the child attains the age of 12 years.
The Programme for Government 2025 introduced a number of commitments relating to foster care. This included commitments to examine and develop a pension solution for foster carers, in recognition of the enormous contribution they make to vulnerable children in our society.
Additionally, work is underway 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 process has included a number of constructive engagements with foster carers and their representative bodies, including the Irish Foster Care Association (IFCA)
Department officials and I will continue to listen carefully to what foster carers and their representative organisations have to say. I will also continue to work closely with Government colleagues regarding the progression of Programme for Government commitments to deliver for foster carers.
