Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

If I heard the Minister of State right, if somebody is caring for over 20 years, the 520 rule does not apply any more. They will be able to get paid credits for part of that period and therefore if they have not achieved the 520, they can bring it up to 520 contributions. I would like the Minister of State's confirmation that I understand it right because this is of huge significance for people who have worked maybe five to nine years. I had one case recently where somebody had done nine years and 51 weeks. They had been caring for a disabled son since. This seems to say that they are going to be able to get that paid credit. That would be of major importance.

The Minister of State might confirm something else for me. It is related but not exactly on the same topic. Are all of these changes to means testing, including the carer's allowance means test, all coming in on 1 January, except for child benefit? I am aware that child benefit is not.

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