Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

The commitment has to be looked at in light of the improvements that have been made in recent years, which I am determined to continue. In the context of the Deputy's final remarks, the long-term carer's contribution scheme was introduced in January 2024. Under this scheme, a person who has been a full-time carer - and yes, the Deputy is right that they are predominantly women - for an incapacitated dependant for at least 20 years, now get long-term carer's contributions that will cover gaps in their contribution record and help them to qualify for a contributory State pension. As part of budget 2025, the carer's support grant was increased by €150 to €2,000. That is the highest rate ever for this grant. As we have also reflected, the carer's allowance weekly income disregard will increase in July from €450 to €625 for a single person and from €900 to €1,250 for a couple. Since June 2022, there has been a cumulative increase of €292.50 for a single carer and €585 for a carer who is part of a couple. We increased the capital disregard in June 2022 so a carer with a spouse or partner can now have capital of up to €100,000. The trajectory of the commitment in the programme for Government is backed up by the changes that have been made over the past number of years. Those kinds of changes and level of commitment to carers will continue.

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