Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North-West, Fianna Fail)

During last year’s general election campaign, I met many carers who were not eligible for the carer’s allowance because their partners either got overtime or a promotion. Many people felt it demeaning that their role in caring and the job they were doing were dependent on their partners’ incomes.

I welcome the increase in the income disregard. If I am correct, this means a couple can earn up to €108,000 per year, excluding PRSI, and still receive the carer’s allowance. That will substantially address the concerns of a huge number of people who have fallen into the category I have mentioned. However, the principle still remains that their income or the job they are doing is dependent on the income of their partners.

This is a fantastic and really important step forward. I urge the Government to continue to move towards the total abolition of the carer's allowance means test and to replace it with a payment for caring to ensure the dignity of the role is respected.

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