The Joint Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands met this morning to discuss pensions and social protection-related issues with representatives of Foster Care Ireland and the Irish Foster Care Association, along with foster parents. We discussed many aspects of the fostering system. The committee will write a report and submit recommendations to the Minister. One issue I think should be raised here is that of the foster allowance, the weekly rate of which has not been increased for nine years. The Government should be looking at that area considering the 9% increase in the cost of living.