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

We have the applications that are in now. We opened the scheme up for applications some time ago to give people a chance. I cannot say exactly how many will apply but the good news is, as the Deputy said, that none have been disallowed to date. I do not have the specific details of the different carers who have made applications but I can ask the officials if they can give me a further breakdown. I would be happy to supply that to the Deputy.

We all value the work of our carers. My Department will spend over €1.7 billion this year on support payments to carers. In fairness, if the Deputy looks at my record, improving support for our carers has been a key priority for me during my three and a half years in the Department of Social Protection. In November, a €400 lump sum was paid to people receiving the carer's support grant. A Christmas double payment was paid to people in receipt of the carer's allowance and the carer's benefit. I have increased the domiciliary care allowance in successive budgets and the payment is now up to €340 per month. It is important to note that the domiciliary care allowance is not means-tested. I have also increased the weekly carer's payment by €24 over the last two years.

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