Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 101: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if there are plans to increase the carers' allowance, and for increased provision of respite; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26676/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Supporting and recognising carers in our society is, and has been, a priority of the Government since 1997. Over that period, weekly payment rates to carers have been greatly increased, 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 grant have been introduced and extended.

Most recently, significant reforms came into force which allow people in receipt of certain other social welfare payments, who are also providing full time care and attention, to retain their main welfare payment and receive another payment, depending on their means. The maximum payment will be the equivalent of a half rate carer's allowance.

Carer's allowance, in line with other social assistance schemes, is means tested. This ensures that scarce resources are directed at those in the greatest need. The means test has been significantly eased over the years, most notably with regard to spouse's earnings. Budget 2007 provided for an income disregard for a couple of €640 per week. This ensures that a couple can earn in the region of €36,000 per annum and still receive the maximum rate of carer's allowance and the associated free travel and household benefits.

This measure surpasses the "Towards 2016" commitment to ensure that those on average industrial earnings continue to qualify for a full carer's allowance. In addition, the rates of carer's allowance have been increased to €200 per week for those aged under 66 and to €218 per week for those aged over 66.

In Budget 2005 the respite care grant was extended to all people providing full time care and attention regardless of their means or social insurance contributions. In addition, since June 2005, the respite care grant is payable in respect of each care recipient. From June 2007, the level of the grant was increased by €300 per year to €1,500 per year in respect of each person being cared for. The provision of respite care services is of course a matter for the Health Service Executive. The Programme for Government commits the Government to further increasing eligibility for carer's allowance and to doubling the level of the respite care grant. I will keep the supports for carers, available from my Department under review in order to continue to improve the schemes.