Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I would be happy to do so. A number of issues have arisen, the first and most important of which has been the inherited backlog in applications for the domiciliary care allowance. Approximately 40% of those who receive that allowance go on to claim either a full-time or half-rate carer's allowance. The second issue is the backlog in applications for carer's allowance and delays in the disability and invalidity pensions.

After I became Minister, I told the House at length that we would invest in new IT systems to upgrade the platforms for these important allowances. I am happy to say that we have done so. Consequently, and as the statistics will show the Deputy, the number of people in receipt of carer's allowance and half-rate carer's allowance has increased significantly. In addition to the respite grant, people also get the benefit of the household benefits package-----

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