Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

One of my priorities since I became Minister for Social Protection is to do whatever I can to support our carers. I know very well the huge work they do and the contribution they make to our society. As I said, in last year's budget I increased the carers support grant to €1,850, the highest level ever. This year, there is an increase of €5 in the carers allowance, as well as all of the other measures I outlined.

The Deputy referred to a specific case. The person concerned has the right to apply for social welfare payments and possibly an allowance. Again, that is means tested. I take the point he has made. We have done a lot for carers, but that does not stop here. I will consider other things we can do. As I said, we have increased the carers support grant and the weekly payment. We have reformed the means test. We now need to make sure that we can provide our carers with a pension. The Deputy mentioned that. It is something we are going to examine and it is a recommendation in the report of the Pensions Commission.

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