Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

I understand the point the Deputies are making. I examined the half rate allowance before the budget, as recommended by the Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs, but I was unable to implement this measure. Instead, I increased the carer's allowance to €200. The State non-contributory pension is now €182 and the carer's allowance for those over 66 years is €200.

The reason I could not implement this measure is because it would extend to other categories and I was unable to confine it to State contributory or non-contributory pensions. The half rate would also have to be offered to many other categories and this would lead to a substantial bill. This would also break the fundamental rule of the welfare system, which allows one to move to a higher payment. This is easy to administer and works well throughout the system. We examined the proposition for the half rate allowance because, in theory, the idea suggested works well. If one wishes to continue caring beyond 66, one can receive the higher carer's allowance. We must try to implement additional measures in this area and we will continue to monitor the situation even though the one payment principle makes it difficult to change.

I met the Caring for Carers organisation yesterday. This group, based in County Clare, impressed upon me the need for a strategic approach. I look forward to meeting this group and other organisations to see how we can make progress. At present my Department considers carers as a group needing income support. Some argue the payment should change to a more formal structure of compensation, such as a wage or salary. This is a major change which we have not made at this point but which will be kept under review.

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