Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

There are almost 52,000 people in receipt of carer's allowance from my Department and approximately 22,000 of those are getting half-rate carer's allowance in addition to another social welfare payment, an increase of almost 40% since 2008. This year, we will spend more than €650 million on carers across several schemes.

I am very conscious of the needs of people on social welfare and appreciate that many depend solely on welfare payments. I will do my utmost to protect the most vulnerable people on welfare, including carers, in the forthcoming budget. Carers play a particularly important role in society which the Government acknowledges through a range of supports, including carer's allowance, half-rate carer's allowance, carer's benefit and the respite care grant. The means test for carers allowance is one of the most generous means tests in the social welfare system, most notably with regard to spouse's earnings. Since April 2008, the income disregard has been €332.50 per week for a single person and €665 per week for a couple. A couple with two children can earn up to €35,400 and qualify for the maximum rate of carer's allowance, as well as the associated free travel and household benefits.

The Government's policy is to support the preference of people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities. Where people are being cared for at home, the care they receive is usually a balance of support from family and professional help. My Department provides income supports for family carers while the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive provide professional support and services.

Obviously, sustainable public finances are a prerequisite for maintaining an adequate system of social protection, as well as for achieving future economic stability and growth. For these reasons, the State must pursue a determined deficit reduction strategy. Accordingly, there will be an ongoing requirement to curtail expenditure and prioritise resources in my Department in 2012 and in later years. Final decisions have not been made in regard to welfare expenditure for next year, including carer's allowance. These decisions will be made after full consideration by the Government and will be announced on budget day.

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