Tusla foster carer from Mayo recognised by President Higgins at Áras on Uachtaráin

Mayo-based Barbara Brennan was among a group of Tusla foster carers who were invited to afternoon tea with President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina in Áras on Uachtaráin recently.

The occasion, which welcomed around 90 guests, was held to honour members of the public and various community groups. 

Ms Brennan was joined by foster carers Anne Marie Mulholland, from Carrickmacross; Eugene Moriarty, from Listowel; Sandra Wogan, from Gorey; Mary Keavey, from Kilrush and Terrie Coleman Black, from Dublin.

At the event, the foster carers met the President and his wife in the historic setting of Áras on Uachtaráin and shared their experiences providing safe and welcoming spaces for children in care.  

Accompanying the six Tusla foster carers, who represented each of Tusla’s six regions, were Tusla Deputy Chairperson and foster carer Avril McDermott, Tusla Board Member Susan Bowman and Tusla’s National Lead for Foster Care Jacqueline Smyth.  

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Thanking President and Mrs Higgins for the invitation,Avril McDermott said, “Since it was established in 2014, Tusla has been working to promote and enhance the safety, wellbeing, and outcomes for children in Ireland. Our foster carers have been instrumental to the work the Agency has undertaken, which would not be possible without them. 

“In his augural speech in 2018, President Higgins spoke of a ‘beautiful Republic of inclusivity, creativity, imagination, love and indeed joy’. I believe that foster carers embody this, providing safety, love and joy to the most vulnerable in our society during times of uncertainty.

“This occasion really showcases the importance of foster care and the positive impact it has on a young person,” Ms McDermott stated.

Jacqueline Smyth added, “It was a privilege to accompany our foster carers to meet President and Mrs Higgins and recognise the contribution of foster carers across the country in providing loving and safe homes to children and young people. 

“Foster care is the backbone of our alternative care system and supporting and recognising our carers is central to ensuring that we can continue to provide the best foster care option possible to those who require it,” she concluded. 

To learn more about becoming a foster carer, visit fostering.ie