Seanad debates

Thursday, 13 July 2017

10:30 am

Photo of Michelle MulherinMichelle Mulherin (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I call for a change in the operation of the carers' benefit scheme and the manifest unfairness to which it gives rise. A particular case has brought it to my attention. It is the case of a couple caring for a child who has severe special needs. Each of them would qualify for carers' benefit which, as we know, requires stamps or a social insurance contribution to be paid. Each of the parents would be entitled to 24 months payment in their own rights, which is equivalent to four years in total. A situation has arisen whereby the mother is looking after the child. It is basically a 24-7 requirement, or bordering on it, with a lot of support being given. She is coming to that end of that 24-month period and, if they are to continue on with carers' benefit, her husband will have to leave work. That does not suit the family arrangement whatsoever.I ask for the rules to be changed to allow for his entitlement to carer's benefit to be transferred to his wife. The change will not impose an additional cost on the State but it would make a world of a difference to the family. I envision that this situation would apply to not just a child with special needs but elderly parents or somebody that a couple are looking after.

More flexibility is required. We all know that the profession of carer demands a big commitment. We should make things easier when something is highlighted that does not cost the State. I want the rules to allow for a right that already exists to be transferred. I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Health to debate this issue in order to resolve the matter. In this case the wife has been refused the entitlement to take on her husband's credits.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.