Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

I will revert to the Deputy on the first point regarding multiple people in a home. With regard to pay-related carer's benefit, and as Deputy O'Sullivan knows, we introduced a pay-related jobseeker's benefit earlier this year. I am waiting to do a full 12-month evaluation of the impact of this scheme. It will give me guidance on introducing it for carers and for parental leave.

Once again, I emphasise my determination to abolish the means test. The income disregards we increased this year mean that people who have never before engaged with the Department of Social Protection will have the opportunity to receive a full carer's payment. That is why it is challenging to estimate the number of people who will be involved. An income of more than €108,000 for a two-adult household is substantial and it will now get a social protection payment. The same carer with an income of €138,000 will retain a partial payment. We are determined to get rid of this means test and to ensure proper supports are given to those on the payment.

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