Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

Absolutely. I think in a couple of weeks the Deputy will see a full indication of this Government's ongoing commitment to carers. As he knows, the carer's benefit is subject to an earnings limit of €450 per week after tax. As part of budget 2025, the income limit will increase to €625 with effect from July, which will allow far more carers to avail of carer's benefit. We also extended the flexibility regarding children who are in hospital or newborns who are kept in hospital. The carer's benefit payment has increased by €41 a week over the past four years. We will continue to support carers by increasing the number eligible for it and by ensuring that the weekly payment is as high as possible. I also want to ensure that those who have to make decisions to leave work, and in particular, considering the essence of the scheme, those who have a sudden change in income, are supported as well.

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