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

A person has to be caring for 35 hours to qualify for the carer's allowance. He or she is allowed to work for 18.5 hours, so that brings it up to 53.5 hours per week. That is a fair week's work, in fairness, when both are done. The Deputy made a point and I do not disagree with him. Sometimes discretion can be great and then sometimes it can land you into a lot of bother, depending on who is interpreting the discretion. I will ask my officials to look into the issue. I always welcome ideas that make things better for people. I will look into the issue but will not make any promises as yet.

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