Departmental Data

Thursday, 18 June 2026

Ceisteanna (441)

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

441. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the estimated full year cost of providing a full State pension to every foster carer in the State. [46682/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality

Foster carers play a vital role in enabling our most vulnerable children to live in a safe, secure and stable home environment. While eligibility for the State Pension (Contributory) is a matter which falls under the remit the Minister for Social Protection, I understand that this matter is an area of genuine concern for foster carers.

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.

I can confirm Deputy that work is underway within the Department on the development of a National Policy Framework for Alternative Care, which will deliver on a separate 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. It is anticipated that the Framework will be published in Summer 2026.

The Department of Children cannot calculate the full-year cost of providing State Pension coverage for foster carers. While the Department has access to data on the number of foster carers on the foster care panel, responsibility for determining and calculating State Pension entitlements rests with the Department of Social Protection, which holds the relevant data and remit for pension calculations

I can advise that I have raised this issue with the Minister for Social Protection and there will be subsequent engagement between the relevant Department officials on the subject of a pension solution for foster carers. I will continue to work closely with Minister Calleary and my Government colleagues regarding the progression of these Programme for Government Commitments.