I have received confirmation from the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth that the Foster Care allowance has not been increased since January 2009.

It is unfair that no increase has been given in 13 years. The allowance is paid to all foster carers to meet all of the child’s daily living needs, including food, clothing, basic travel, education cost, hobbies and sporting activities.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) slows that the change in consumer prices in the intervening time is 11.17%. There is now additional price inflation in recent months which also need to be taken into account.

It is wrong to expect foster carers to be out of pocket as they provide a safe haven for children and save the State by providing the service.

I am asking the Minister to put the foster care allowance in line with inflation as a matter of urgency and also to index link future rises increases in the allowance with the Consumer Price Index which should be done annually.