Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday, Family Carers Ireland published its report, The State of Caring 2024. One of its asks was to abolish the means test for carers. I listened to the Taoiseach yesterday. He responded more than once to questions on this matter. He said that right now the Government is making changes to the income disregard for carers. That is right but, let us be clear, the outworking of last year's budget means that carers had to wait until 6 June 2024 to see an increase in the income disregard for carer's allowance. While it is welcome, it is long overdue. At one time, the income disregard for carer's allowance was the same as the average industrial wage. At a minimum, we need to reinstate that position. Further, family carers are also asking that the means test would be abolished over the next three years to 2027 when a participation income can be put in place.

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