David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his response. I recall that the Minister told me last May that he would review the condition that a person must be caring for another person on the first Thursday of June to receive the payment. What are the barriers to abolishing the condition? Does the Minister agree it is unfair to disqualify people who face the high costs associated with care throughout the year on the basis of this condition?

Has the Minister examined the condition that a person must be caring for someone for a minimum of six months prior to the date in June? Does the Minister plan to change that condition? Has he examined the criterion of a limit of 15 hours per week or does he have plans to change it?

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