Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Supplementary Estimate. The Minister referred to an increase of 19% in claims for carer's allowance compared to last year. Was an analysis conducted on the rationale behind such an increase? Is it down to the demographics and the ageing population? Has an effort been made to reduce approval waiting times for the allowance? Have additional staff been transferred from other sections within the Department to the carer's allowance section? If not, would it be considered, particularly as the demand for other schemes has lessened given the welcome reduction in the live register?