Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

This allowed one, for the first time, to obtain the half-rate carer's allowance in addition to an underlying social welfare payment. We introduced the respite care grant, amounting to €1,700 per year, which is more than €30 per week. There is an arrangement whereby a carer caring for somebody down the street or a quarter of a mile away can get the free benefits, worth €20 per week, even if her or his partner is working. We have the most generous income disregards relating to the carer's allowance. There is a disregard of more than €300 for an individual and more than €600 for a couple. That architecture is fundamental.

Approximately one third of carers under 66, or 28% to be precise, are in receipt of the half-rate carer's allowance. There is no change in the arrangements for carers over 66. The carer's allowance represents the best social welfare rate. After the adjustment, it is €240 per week.

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