Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Government and I are enormously appreciative of the extraordinary work of the many thousands of carers throughout the country at all times and, in particular, over the course of the pandemic. As the Deputy will know, last year we increased the carer's support grant to €1,850. That was paid in June 2021. She will also know that in the budget, we made changes for the first time in a number of years in regard to the eligibility criteria for carer's allowance in relation to income and capital disregard. Those were long-called for and very welcome changes. We are committed, as the Deputy knows, through the work of the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, and her Department to examine the issue of pension rights and pension access for carers because we recognise the work they do is of enormous value. In addition, we significantly increased home support hours across society, and that will make a positive difference to the day-to-day lives of carers. We are determined to help them access those hours and to improve respite provision as well.

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