Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

I reiterate our full support for carers. I fully recognise the gender impact caring has. Deputy Ardagh is right to highlight that.

It is important to look at the progress made on disregards in recent years. I want that to continue and for more people to qualify for the payment. The carer's support grant, which was paid at the beginning of June, is not subject to a means test. It is paid out. We are working through all the issues that were highlighted by the Deputy to get an effective costing for the phasing out of the means test and the other issues she highlighted. We will continue to do that.

In the context of budget 2026, I intend to seek the support of my colleagues to once again substantially increase the income disregards. That will be done in the context of the budgetary negotiations.

As stated, there are other supports for family carers. The carer's support grant was the highest ever. It was paid out on 5 June with an investment of €334 million.

See this speech in context