Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I absolutely acknowledge the work of carers, which we see at first hand, and that is why it is also important we acknowledge the extent of the improvements the previous Government brought in for carers over recent years. We introduced the long-term carer's contribution scheme in January 2024, which allows a person who has been a full-time carer for an incapacitated dependant for 20 years or more to use long-term carer's contributions to cover gaps in their contribution records, allowing them to qualify for a contributory State pension. As stated previously, we have also increased the income disregard and, as part of budget 2025, the carer's support was increased to €2,000, the highest rate it has ever been. Moreover, with the support of carers and following engagement with them and their representative organisations, the capital disregard was increased from June 2022, which allows carers to have capital of up to €100,000.

I intend to engage with carers' groups and organisations regarding further supports and to engage with the Oireachtas committee on social protection in this space. I assure the Deputy this is a priority for me.

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