Minister tells Kildare Senator that Fostering allowance increase is budget “priority”

Local Fianna Fáil Senator Fiona O’Loughlin recently reiterated her call for the fostering allowance to be increased in Seanad Eireann, and engage directly with Minister Roderic O’Gorman on the issue.Speaking in the Chamber at the time Fiona said “I have been dealing with several foster parents in Kildare over the past while about the foster carer's allowance. It is quite shocking that the foster carer's allowance has not been increased since 2009, that is, for 14 years. The allowance pays for a child's daily living needs, including food, clothing, travel expenses, education, hobbies, sporting activities etc.”

Following engagements with the Minister, Senator O’Loughlin said “Foster carers are paid a weekly allowance, which is a payment in respect of the child in their care. The foster care allowance is currently €325 per week for a child under 12 years of age and €352 per week for a child aged 12 years and over. The allowance is not considered as means for social welfare purposes, and is not subject to tax.

"Following my engagement with Minister O’Gorman I was informed "that it will be a priority of mine to seek to secure an increase to the foster care allowance in the upcoming budget."

Concluding Senator O’Loughlin said, “This is welcome and I will be working closely in our pre-budget negotiations to continue to advocate for foster carers.”