Childcare Services
Seanad Éireann — 2026-03-19
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Marian Harkin (IND), Sligo-Leitrim

I thank the Senator. Once again I am taking this on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Foley. I acknowledge the interest of Members in matters concerning foster carers. In particular, the Minister would like to thank Senator Ahearn for raising the important issue of supports for foster carers in the south Tipperary area. As he will know, the Minister is a strong supporter of foster carers and the valuable work they do in our society. She would like to take this opportunity to recognise and acknowledge this work and to convey her appreciation to all foster carers. At the end of December 2025, some 5,058 children were being cared for by foster parents in Ireland. This figure equated to approximately 86% of all children in care. This figure compares favourably with our European neighbours and we should be justly proud of that. It is foster carers who have made this achievement possible. The Government, for its part, has supported foster carers through strong investment, including the provision of a foster care allowance, to ensure foster carers are not financially burdened in caring for the vulnerable children they welcome into their homes.
The Minister is acutely aware of the invaluable role services such a St. Bernard’s play in the lives of foster parents and the children they care for. I fully understand that is the issue the Senator is raising as well as the unique and valuable service St. Bernard's is. I listened carefully to what he had to say. As such, it is a priority of the Minister that the suite of supports available to foster carers is expanded to ensure foster carers throughout the country are well supported.
In respect of St. Bernard’s Children’s Services in Tipperary, the Minister is aware that at a recent meeting with foster carers affected by this situation, Tusla listened carefully to their opinions and concerns. Tusla has advised that through this engagement, foster carers made clear how strongly they felt about the service and its importance in supporting both them and the children in their care. The Minister can advise that Tusla subsequently took the decision to roll back on its original decision, thereby recognising that there had not been an appropriate level of consultation and engagement with foster carers prior to the initial decision to cease the service. I do not know about the Senator, but to me that is a strong enough statement. I understand that the agency has written to the affected foster carers on the matter and apologised for the concern and worry this has caused them. Furthermore, the Minister is glad to inform the House that Tusla has taken the decision to maintain service provision with St. Bernard’s for 2026 with no disruption to current supports, which I am sure the Senator will agree is a most welcome decision. I further understand that Tusla will engage with foster carers throughout 2026 in the co-design, which is an important word, of supports to be provided going forward into 2027. Tusla staff have communicated this to the affected foster carers and will meet them in person in the coming weeks.
Both Tusla and the Department are committed to supporting foster carers and to providing them with the supports they need to look after the children and young people in their care.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-03-19/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:45+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-03-19