Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rails and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the announcement by Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, that the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance has now been extended to families in receipt of the Foster Care Allowance.

This once-off, means-tested payment helps eligible families meet the cost of school clothing and footwear. Until now, foster care families were not eligible to receive the allowance on behalf of the children in their care.

Minister Canney said: “I strongly welcome this change, which ensures that families in receipt of the Foster Care Allowance are now eligible to receive the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance for the children they care for. Foster carers provide vital support within our child protection system, and this move recognises the real and rising costs they face in preparing children for school. Importantly, this fulfils a clear commitment made in the Programme for Government to review the eligibility criteria for this allowance and introduce flexibility for foster families. It is a compassionate and practical measure that will benefit families right across the country.”

Under the updated scheme, eligible foster families will receive €160 for children aged 4 to 11, and €285 for children aged 12 and over in second-level education. It is estimated that up to 2,300 children in foster care will now benefit from this support.

Applications can be made online at www.MyWelfare.ie and must be submitted before the closing date of 30th September 2025.