Minister for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rails and Ports, and Leader of the Independent Team of Ministers, Seán Canney T.D., has welcomed today’s announcement by Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley, on the introduction of a revised Mileage Payment Scheme for Foster Carers.

The new scheme expands the categories of travel eligible for reimbursement — including school events, extracurricular classes, additional medical and therapeutic appointments, and access visits — all linked to a child’s care plan. It also lowers the threshold for the enhanced allowance from 300km to 250km per week.

Minister Canney said: “This is a positive and practical step by Government to support foster carers who provide such an important service. The enhanced scheme rightly acknowledges the day-to-day travel demands placed on foster families.”

Highlighting the relevance for rural and regional communities, Minister Canney added: “In counties like Galway, travel to extracurricular activities, school events and support services can often involve long distances. By broadening the eligibility and reducing the weekly kilometre threshold, this scheme will make a real difference for foster families in rural Ireland.”

He continued: “As a member of Government, I am proud that we are delivering on commitments in the Programme for Government to improve supports for foster carers. These families play a vital role in our care system, and we will continue to ensure that policy recognises and respects that contribution.”