“All things being equal, it is preferable that children unable to be brought up by their parents be reared by their grandparents, if this is at all possible.”

“This is not to detract in any way from the outstanding dedication and commitment of the legion of foster parents throughout the country who give so generously of their love and time to care for children.”

“Rather, it is reflection of the crucial role grandparents can play in the upbringing of a child, which is not being appreciated.”

“The government’s attitude seems curious to say the least, and is reflective of a penny-pinching mentality,” he says.

Mr Dunne says United Future supports the stand of the Grandparents Raising Children group that the subsidy ought to be extended to include grandparents.

ENDS