Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

I assure the Deputy that we absolutely value the work of carers. That has been shown by the work done on the income disregards, which will take effect this July, in recent years and the introduction of the long-term carer's contribution scheme in January 2024. Under that scheme, a person who has been a full-time carer for an incapacitated dependent for at least 20 years, or 1,040 weeks, can get long-term carer's contributions to cover gaps in their contribution record. This will allow them to qualify for a contributory State pension. That is the first time this has happened.

The carer's benefit payment has been extended to the self-employed. We have also introduced and increased the carer's support grant to €2,000, the highest rate that payment has ever been. I have already gone through the income disregards which will increase from €450 to €625 for a single person and from €900 to €1250 for a carer with a spouse or partner. Since June 2022, a cumulative increase in the disregard is €292.50 for a single carer and €585 for a carer who is part of a couple. That shows a direction of travel on this. I am determined to continue the work of my predecessor, Heather Humphreys, in this regard.

See this speech in context