Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 June 2026
347. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Social Protection for an update on the Programme for Government commitment to examine pension arrangements for foster carers; the progress made to date in this regard; the timeframe for bringing forward any proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48635/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMatters relating to foster care are the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality.
This Government acknowledges the very important role of all carers, including foster carers, and remains fully committed to supporting them.
Once the minimum requirement of 10 years' paid contributions is met, the State Pension (Contributory) system provides a range of measures to recognise caring periods outside of paid employment, such as PRSI credits, Homemaking Disregards and HomeCaring Periods. Homemaking Disregards and HomeCaring Periods 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 family carers and parents. Questions of equity would arise if access to pension benefits was afforded any of these groups, including foster parents/carers on a preferential basis.
Since January 2024, Long-Term Carer's Contributions can be awarded to a person who has cared for an incapacitated person 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 10-years' paid contributions 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 and recognise the years spent caring for children in the same way as biological or adoptive parents, while ensuring that the system remains sustainable.
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.
