Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is important that we deal with facts in the context of the budget. Sometimes the whole role of carers is thrown about by a minority of politicians who use it to exploit their situation politically. We need to take a long look at what this budget has done for carers.

There will be a cost-of-living double payment to carers in October. A cost-of-living lump sum of €500 for people getting the carer's support grant will be paid in November. It will also be paid to people in receipt of disability allowance, the blind pension, the invalidity pension and working farm payments. It should be noted that one grant will be paid per carer, regardless of how many people the carer cares for. Carers will also get a Christmas bonus of a double payment in early December. From January 2023, there will be a €12 increase in the maximum rate of carer’s allowance, bringing it up to €236, and carer's benefit, up to €237. Proportionate increases will apply to those getting a reduced rate.

Domiciliary care allowance will increase by €20.50, to €330 per month, with effect from January 2023. This allowance will be available in respect of children with severe illness or disability who remain in hospital for up to six months after birth. Qualified child payment weekly rates will increase by €2 in January 2023, bringing them to €50 for over-12s.

There will be a new means test disregard for fuel allowance for people aged 70 years, and the means assessment threshold for fuel allowance will increase from €120 to €200 with effect from January 2023. Half-rate carer’s allowance will be disregarded in the means assessment for fuel allowance from January 2023.

I have not mentioned the electricity credits or other fuel allowance payments. I want to put on record of this House that this is a massive budget for carers. People from Ahascragh, Strokestown and Roosky rang me this morning - I did not ring them - to say that this will bring a massive improvement to the lot of carers. Let us put it on the record that Government Members, members of my own party and my Senator group, have been working consistently on this to make it happen for carers. It has not achieved everything, but it has achieved a lot and we will achieve more for them in the years ahead. Let us put this on the record and let us keep it straight.