Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 25 together.

There will be an ongoing necessity to curtail overall expenditure in 2012 and in later years. The comprehensive review of expenditure currently under way in all Departments and agencies will form the basis for making the necessary decisions to achieve this. The outcome of the review will be considered by the Government in September.

There are not 161,000 carers in receipt of payments from my Department. That figure is the number of persons identified in the 2006 census as providing as little as one hour of care per week. There are currently just over 51,000 full-time carers in receipt of a carers allowance payment from the Department. This includes almost 22,000 who are receiving half-rate carers allowance in addition to another social welfare payment. There are just over 1,700 people in receipt of carer's benefit. In addition, more than 17,000 people who are not in receipt of a carers allowance or benefit payment received the annual respite care grant of €1,700 in June.

Since the introduction of the carer's allowance, payments to carers have been expanded greatly. Carers allowance was increased in 2007, 2008 and 2009 respectively and recipients are also eligible for household benefits, free travel and the respite care grant.

The rate of carers allowance for those over 66 was maintained at €239 in the budget for 2011. The current rate of carers allowance for those aged under 66 is €204 per week. The estimated expenditure for carers in 2011, including carer's allowance, carer's benefit and the respite care grant is approximately €658 million.

The means test for carers is one of the most liberal means tests in the social welfare system, most notably with regard to spouse's earnings. The income disregard is currently €332.50 per week for a single person and €665 per week for a couple. This means that a couple with two children can earn in the region of €35,400 and qualify for the maximum rate of carers allowance as well as the associated free travel and household benefits. A couple with an income in the region of €59,300 can still qualify for a minimum payment, as well as the associated free travel and household benefits package.

See this speech in context