Extension of Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance to foster care families is a welcome step – Currie

The extension of the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance to children who are in foster care is a welcome step in recognising the invaluable role played by their carers, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Emer Currie, Fine Gael spokesperson on childcare, urged families in receipt of the foster care allowance to apply online now for the allowance through MyWelfare.ie.

Deputy Currie said: “This vital scheme recognises the financial challenges that many families face with back to school costs and it aims to alleviate some of that stress on parents and guardians.

“The rate of payment for 2025 is €160 for children aged 4 – 11 and €285 for children aged 12 years and over in second level education.

“It is estimated that up to 2,300 children, for whom Foster Care Allowance is being paid, will now qualify the allowance, which is an extremely welcome move.

“Fine Gael is committed to reducing the cost of education and ensuring that all children reach their full potential at all stages of life. Further investment in childcare and education in last year’s Budget was further proof of this commitment.

“My party in Government has worked hard to ensure every child in both primary and special schools can avail of a hot lunch through the Hot School Meals programme. Other measures include the Free Schoolbooks Scheme, which covers all students from primary school right through to the Leaving Certificate in the provision of schoolbooks and core classroom resources.

“Foster carers currently look after around 87 per cent of children in State care and I know they have campaigned to be included in this scheme. I will continue to work with my Government colleagues on their behalf to ensure they have the supports they need for the children in their care.

“The Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance scheme is currently open and foster care families can apply online on  www.MyWelfare.ie,” Deputy Currie said.