David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 464: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the discussions he has had or intends to have with the Minister for Education and Science on the issue of young carers and the problems they are faced with; the outcome of such discussions; the action he intends to take to provide support and assistance to young carers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10618/06]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 465: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the discussions he has had or intends to have with the Department of Health and Children on the issue of young carers and the problems they are faced with; the outcome of such discussions; the action he intends to take to provide support and assistance to young carers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10620/06]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 464 and 465 together.

With regard to younger carers, I recognise that special help, advice and support is essential for young carers who are often caring for a parent and in particular, that services must be put in place to support the household and to ensure that young carers remain at school. These include the services of home helps, public health nurses and home care packages generally, which are a matter for my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children. In budget 2006, the Tánaiste announced a €150 million package in funding for 2006-07 for home support packages and other community-based services.

Supports for carers from my own Department include the carer's allowance, which provides income support to people who are providing certain older people or people with a disability with full-time care and attention and whose incomes fall below a certain limit. Carer's allowance is payable from age 18.

The respite care grant, also administered by my Department, is an annual payment for carers who look after certain people in need of full-time care and attention. The payment is made regardless of the carer's means but is subject to certain conditions. The respite care grant is payable from age 16. The value of the grant is €1,200 at June 2006.

The long-term care working group was established by the Tánaiste and the Minister for Health and Children and by me in January 2005 to identify the policy options for a financially sustainable system of long-term care. The report of the working group is being considered by the Government.