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

I thank the Deputy. I have increased the threshold for the means test capital allowance for carers. I have also increased the income thresholds so that from June, a couple will be able to earn up to €900 per week and have €50,000 in savings and will still qualify for the full carer's allowance payment. The reality is that no matter where I draw the line, some people will fall on the other side of it. I do not want to see people left behind. I know women who have given up their jobs to care for children with disabilities. They do not qualify for any payment because their partners work. That is not right because the care they provide should be recognised. It is being recognised in the pension for long-term carers.

The reason I have set up this interdepartmental group with the Department of Health is to examine means testing entirely. The Deputy knows that the social welfare system is to keep people out of poverty and to provide them with a basic income. Somebody is going to have to grasp the nettle and pay carers for what they do. They make a considerable contribution when they care for somebody with a disability and cannot work. It was my idea to set up this interdepartmental group because it is not until we sit everyone around the table that we will find a way forward. That is also while I feel it is important that we vote "Yes" in the upcoming referendum. It clearly states that we want to strive to support carers. The way I see it is that what we have got, we hold, and we move forward and build on more supports for carers. That is why it is important that we vote "Yes".

See this speech in context