This week is foster carers awareness week. I acknowledge the work Foster Carers Ireland does to support around 4,000 foster carers and families who care for about 5,600 children across the country. I want to raise the decision by Tusla to discontinue the funding of the St. Bernard's therapeutic fostering support service in Fethard as part of its move to a standardised national model. Foster carers in south Tipperary have expressed real concern about the removal of this specialised therapeutic, relationship-based support. St. Bernard's provides integrated support to foster carers and children, particularly those in complex placements that involve trauma and neurodevelopmental needs. They deliver an invaluable service to foster carers and foster children in Tipperary. The fostering support service is one of three services operated by St. Bernard's Children's Services. It is a community-based service that works directly with specially identified foster carers and the children placed with them who are 12 years old or younger on referral. From the commencement of the service in September 2014 until June 2021, they provided a 24-hour, seven days a week service to families.

In June 2021 that operation was reduced to a five-day service because of financial cutbacks. Since 2014, 133 foster carers and families have completed their two-year programme. Some 196 children were supported as part of their participation and 28 foster families are currently on the two-year programme, with 40 children being supported. However, the carers have been informed that the services that will now cover the area are being moved to north Cork. I am seeking clarity on whether sufficient capacity exists in north Cork to absorb the additional demand without delays. Has there been an impact assessment carried out regarding placement stability and foster carer retention? Given the State's role as corporate parent, therapeutic continuity must be protected during that reform. Will the Minister for children reconsider the termination of this service for St. Bernard's in Fethard? Tusla will not confirm to me if the service provided in Cork will be of the exact quality as that in Fethard. St. Bernard's provides support for carers and children. This will have a real impact on people who want to get into foster caring. We are desperately crying out for more people to put up their hands. Vocation is what we are asking for to support really vulnerable children. We are now removing services from a region for those parents and adults willing to do it. It can have a long-term impact on people who put up their hand and say they will do it. Foster Carers Ireland is a great support network to support and encourage people to get into foster caring. However, if the wider supports Tusla provides are not in the region, why would people do it?