Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

There are issues, for which I totally accept responsibility, but I can equally tell the Deputy that corrective actions are being taken by the Government. To my knowledge, at the end of December a claims intake of just over two months was awaiting processing. That is what I am being told by departmental officials. The Government acknowledges the crucial role carers play in society. It is important, therefore, that the Deputy know that we are fully committed to supporting carers in their role. Reform and investment are under way. The carer's allowance is paid to persons providing full-time care and attention for elderly people or people with disabilities whose income falls within certain limits. It is also important to state there are 74,887 persons in receipt of the carer's allowance, with 44,000 qualified dependent children. Expenditure in 2017 was €694 million. The figure for domiciliary care allowance payments which are made to 34,000 families is €200 million. A strong message is being sent that we are providing support for carers in society. We respect and value their work. There are many more issues related to the national disability inclusion strategy to be dealt with in the next two to three years. We have started to rebuild and invest in carers. We will also make our best efforts to reduce waiting times.

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