Shane McEntee (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 79: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons who were refused the carer's allowance on the grounds of the means test; the number of persons who were refused the carer's allowance on the grounds of the medical assessment in 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11924/05]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 153: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the fact that approximately one in three persons who applied for the carer's allowance in 2004 were refused the payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11923/05]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 153 together.

The principal eligibility conditions for receipt of the carer's allowance are that full-time care and attention is required and being provided and that the means test that applies is satisfied. The number of applicants refused payment as a proportion of claims received has declined in recent years arising from various improvements introduced to the scheme.

There are currently 23,233 persons receiving carer's allowance. In 2004 my Department received 7,817 applications for carer's allowance and, of these, 1,713 were refused the allowance. Some 987 applicants were refused it on medical eligibility grounds and 187 were refused it due to their means exceeding the prescribed income limit. The balance, 539 cases, were refused for a number of other reasons mainly because full-time care was not being provided.

All persons who apply for carer's allowance are informed of the decision on their entitlement and the reasons for it. In addition, where a person is refused the allowance, he or she is also advised of his or her right of appeal to the social welfare appeals office.

Payments to carers have been greatly improved since its introduction and qualifying conditions for carer's allowance have been significantly eased, coverage of the scheme has been extended and new schemes such as carer's benefit and the respite care payment have been introduced.

Provision has been made in successive budgets for substantial increases in the income disregards which apply in the means test. From April 2005 the weekly income disregards have increased to €270 for a single carer and to €540 for a couple. This increase has ensured that a couple with two children, earning a joint income of up to €30,700 can qualify for the maximum rate of carer's allowance while the same couple, if they had an income of €49,200, could still qualify for the minimum carer's allowance and the associated free schemes and respite care grant.

In addition and with effect from June 2005, I have made provision for the introduction of a universal respite care grant payment of €1,000 payable to all carers providing full-time care to an older person or a person with a disability, subject to certain employment related conditions. This grant may be made in respect of each care recipient and is not subject to a means test. These measures will continue to enhance the provision of supports for carers.

My Department is preparing an extensive publicity campaign to ensure that all those eligible for the payment will avail of it. This will also include a dedicated freefone helpline that will operate to coincide with the publicity campaign. The development of support for carers continues to be a priority for me and for the Government.