I want to speak on behalf of the foster carers right across Ireland less than a week out from the budget to make a case for improved weekly rates for foster carers. The rate has remained the same since 2009, despite the incredible level of care that they give to young people under their care. They clothe them, they feed them and they bring them to sports activities. They give them such a high level of care, it is about time that we improved the conditions for these foster carers. They do not even have access to back-to-school allowances, which is not good enough. In many instances, these people look after the most vulnerable young people in our society. It is about time that we realised that. It is about time that we improved their conditions and improved their weekly rates.

I thank the Deputy for raising the important issue of foster carers. The truth is we need more of them given the number of children whose parents are not able to look after them any more, which has increased quite a lot in recent years. I had a chance to meet some foster carers over the summer break and hear from them their lived experience. I agree that we need a better deal for them. The Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, has developed proposals in that regard and is currently in discussions with the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, on funding for them. Hopefully, we will be able to make a positive announcement in the next few weeks.