Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 253: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views in relation to a submission by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if she has plans to reassess the decision not to continue with the national carer's strategy in view of concerns being expressed by many carer's and their support groups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14109/09]

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 256: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the proposals put forward by an association (details supplied) in the absence of the publication of the national carer's strategy; her views on these proposals, particularly as they are on a cost neutral basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14190/09]

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 263: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the implementation of the national carer's strategy (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14557/09]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 253, 256 and 263 together.

During 2008 an interdepartmental group, chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach, with secretariat support provided by my Department, undertook work, including a public consultation process, to develop a National Carers' Strategy. The work of developing a Carer's Strategy was well advanced by the group.

However, faced with the current economic situation, it was not possible to set targets or time lines which could be achieved. In that context, rather than publishing a document which did not include any significant plans for the future, the Government decided not to publish a strategy at this time.

I am aware of the proposals put forward by the Carers Association. My officials met last week with the Carers Association to discuss those proposals which are within the remit of the Department. However, Deputies should be aware that recommendations described as "cost-neutral" usually do have a cost, in terms of administration, or in follow on effects. The Government remains acutely aware of the sacrifices made by carers and has sought to make many improvements in services and supports for carers.

The Carers Allowance scheme has been significantly improved in recent years and in budget 2009, I continued this process. The rate of carer's allowance for those aged 66 or over increased 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, free travel and the respite care grant.

Since 1997 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, half-rate carer's allowance and the respite care grant have been introduced and extended.

The means test for carer's allowance has been significantly eased over the years, and is now one of the most generous means tests in the social welfare system, 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. This means that a couple with two children can earn in the region of €37,200 and qualify for the maximum rate of Carer's Allowance as well as the associated free travel and household benefits.

A couple with an income in the region of €60,400 can still qualify for a minimum payment, as well as the associated free travel, household benefits package. These levels surpass the Towards 2016 commitment to ensure that 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. It is estimated that combined expenditure on carer's allowance, carer's benefit, the respite care grant and half-rate carers will be €650 million in 2009.