2978. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether her Department has examined the estimated Exchequer cost of index-linking foster care allowances with increases in core social welfare payments; and if she will provide details of any such assessment. [59795/26]

Foster carers play a vital and valued role in the care of the most vulnerable children in our society. Foster care is the preferred option for children who cannot live with their family of origin, and foster carers provide a safe, secure and stable home environment for these vulnerable children and young people.

This Department has overseen record investment in foster carers, including a 21% increase to the foster care allowance over the past two years, resulting in the current weekly allowance for children in foster care of €400 per week for children aged under 12, and €425 per week for those over 12.

Additionally, in 2025 a bonus payment at the start of each initial foster care placement was introduced. This payment aims to alleviate the substantial out-of-pocket expenses that can be incurred by foster carers during the initial period after a child is placed in their care.

A revised Mileage Payment Scheme for foster carers also came into effect in April 2025. This broadens the categories of journeys which may be considered eligible for payment under the Foster Care Travel Payments Scheme. Additionally, the cumulative weekly travel distance to qualify for these payments has been reduced from 300km to 250km.

Social welfare payments are paid by the Department of Social Protection, and are not linked in any way to the foster care allowance, which is paid directly by Tusla to foster carers.

Additionally, work is underway within the Department on the development of a National Policy Framework for Alternative Care, which will deliver on a 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.

The consultation process has included a number of constructive engagements with foster carers and their representative bodies. As part of the deliberative process associated with this Framework, the financial supports for foster carers is being considered. The Framework is due to be published later this year.