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

I will increase the income disregards for carers and this will kick in next week. It will be increased. It is important that we do this. It is part of the budget and it is starting next week. The online service we are putting together is a new process. Online applications will be quicker than paper applications. It will be like the passport service. The online service is very quick, in fairness to the Passport Office. A few years ago we were looking at long delays for passports. The online system has managed to change this and turn it around. The Deputies see as well as I do that when people submit stronger medical evidence a lot of the time their appeal is successful. It takes longer if they do not provide the evidence in the first place and if it is not there. If I have one message for people it is to put all of their medical reports with their application at the start. I have asked the officials to look at the application forms and the guidelines to make them clearer. The Deputies have come forward with suggestions this evening and I will take them on board. By the way, the income limit for carers will be that couples can earn up to €900 a week and a single person can earn up to €450 a week. They will kick in next week.

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