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

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. It is important to say that means tests are used to target our resources to best effect in support of those who need them most. The rules for means-testing vary depending on the nature of the payment being claimed. The amount of income that is disregarded for carer's payments is the most generous within the social welfare system. As Minister, I have been concerned not just to protect this position but, in fact, to increase these income disregards:

Last June, the weekly income disregards were increased from €332.50 to €350 for a single person and from €665 to €750 for carers with a spouse and a partner. As part of budget 2024, the weekly income disregard will be increased further from €350 to €450 for a single person, and from €750 to €900 for carers with a spouse or partner.

Furthermore, I introduced the follow additional supports for carers as part of budget 2024: in November, a €400 a lump sum will be paid to people receiving the carer's support grant; in November, a special payment of €100 will be made for each qualified child on a claim, including on carer's claims; a Christmas bonus double payment will be paid to people in receipt of carer's allowance and carer’s benefit; from January 2024, there will be an increase of €12 in the maximum personal rate of weekly carer's payments, with proportionate increases for qualified adults and those on reduced rates, with an additional €4 increase per child; in January 2024, there will be an additional once-off double cost-of-living support payment, which will be paid to qualifying social protection recipients, including carers and people on long-term disability payments; the rate of payment for domiciliary care allowance will increase by €10 from January 2024.

I am satisfied that all of these measures will make a real and measurable difference to people who are caring for loved ones. In particular, raising the general weekly income disregard will mean that more people who are caring will become eligible for carer's allowance. Many carers are also in receipt of supports from other State bodies including, for example, the HSE. That is why I am establishing an interdepartmental working group with the Department of Health to examine and review the wider system of means tests for carers. I trust that clarifies the matter.

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