Statement Irish Foster Care Association, following Prime Time Investigates 22^nd April 2026

The Irish Foster Care Association is deeply distressed by the experiences highlighted in the RTÉ Investigates programme examining the use of Special Emergency Arrangements for children in care.

While Special Emergency Arrangements may sometimes be necessary in acute situations, they should only ever be short-term and exceptional measures. They are not appropriate settings for meeting the longer-term emotional, developmental, and relational needs of children and young people.

The continued requirement to rely on emergency arrangements points to a system under sustained and significant pressure. This is not a new issue, and the persistence of these difficulties highlights the urgent need for decisive action.  The Irish State carries a clear responsibility to ensure that the needs of children in care are properly met without delay.

Central to any response is the expansion of appropriate foster care capacity, alongside a renewed focus on the recruitment and retention of foster carers. However, this is only possible if there is meaningful improvement in the supports available to foster carers and the children and young people they care for, including access to therapeutic services for children and young people in care and practical and financial supports for foster carers.

It is also clear from what our foster carers tell us that stronger and more consistent Aftercare supports are urgently needed for young people leaving care. Our long standing and consistent view is that Aftercare support should be available to all young people transitioning from care and should continue until at least the age of 23, regardless of their educational status.

These stories should never have had to be told.  We are humbled by the bravery and resilience of these young people.  This is a call to action for all of us.

Ends

For further information:

Sharon McDonnell, M: 087 269324, E: media@ifca.ie