The allowance paid to foster parents has been increased by around £13 (€16.50) per week. The increase will take effect from January 1st.
Payments for under-12s increases by £13.05 to £213.05 (€270.50), while payments for children age 12 and over goes up £13.51 to £233.51 (€296.50).
The Minister for Children, Ms Hanafin, said the increase showed the Government’s commitment to foster care and the new payments - the second increase in 12 months - would mean carers would no longer need to approach health boards for discretionary payments.
Last year, the payments were £71.55 and £85.55 respectively. The increases come about as a result of the recommendations of the Department of Health and Children’s Working Group on Foster Care.
"This Government is committed, in principle, to the implementation of the other recommendations of the Report of the Working Group and the Social Services Inspectorate," Minister Hanafin said.