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

I thank the Senator. It is not in my notes but I agree with the final statement made by the Senator, which is an important one. Aside from that, I thank the Senator for raising this important issue. I hope I have clearly addressed the issue at hand and the Minister has provided sufficient assurances regarding the ongoing support of Tusla to St. Bernard's children's services. Once again, the Minister wants to put on record that Tusla has confirmed that services at St. Bernard's will continue in 2026 and 2027.
I reiterate the Minister's support for foster carers and acknowledge their value to society as a whole. As Senators will know, over a number of recent budgets there has been ongoing significant investment in foster care such as the increase in the foster care allowance, the introduction of the additional placement payment, the funding of the peer support model and the extension of the back-to-school clothing and footwear allowance to foster carers.
I repeat that I will personally make it my business to bring the specific issue raised by the Senator to the attention of the Minister, Deputy Foley.

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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