Written answers

Tuesday, 27 January 2009

Department of Social and Family Affairs

Social Welfare Benefits

9:00 pm

Photo of Pat BreenPat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 954: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will report on recent media reports that carers allowance payments will be reduced; her plans for the various carers allowance schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1369/09]

Photo of Brian O'SheaBrian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 984: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her proposals to make changes to the carers allowance scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1835/09]

Photo of Róisín ShortallRóisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1005: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her plans in respect of half-rate carers allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2437/09]

Photo of Mary HanafinMary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 954, 984 and 1005 together.

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 greatly increased, qualifying conditions for carer's allowance have 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. The means test for carer's allowance has been significantly eased over the years, most notably with regard to spouse's earnings. Since April 2008, the income disregard has been €332.50 per week for a single person and €665 per week for a couple. These levels surpass the "Towards 2016" commitment to ensure those on average industrial earnings continue to qualify for a full carer's allowance.

From June 2005, the annual respite care grant was extended to all carers who are providing full time care to a person who needs such care, regardless of their income. The rate of the respite care grant has also been increased to €1,700 per year in respect of each care recipient since June 2008. In June 2006, the number of hours for which a person can engage in employment, self-employment, education or training and still be considered to be providing full time care for the purposes of carer's allowance, carer's benefit and the respite care grant was increased from 10 to 15 hours per week.

Budget 2007 provided for new arrangements whereby people can receive a maximum payment equivalent to a half rate carers allowance while receiving another social welfare payment, other than jobseekers benefit or allowance. In Budget 2009, I increased the rate of carer's allowance for those aged 66 or over by €7 to €239 per week and for those aged under 66 by €6.50 to €220.50 per week. These increases took effect from January 2009. Recipients of carer's allowance are also eligible for household benefits and free travel and the respite care grant.

Since 2005 the number of people in receipt of a carer's allowance has increased from almost 25,000 to approximately 42,500 and more than 2,200 people are now in receipt of carers benefit. In addition to those in receipt of carer's allowance and benefit, more than 6,300 other carers have received a respite care grant in respect of 2008. No decisions have been made to cut carer's allowance or any of the 50 or so schemes administered by the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.