Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 378: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will deliver on the five priority issues that carers' families are seeking to be delivered in the 2011 Budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37167/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The five priority issues identified in the correspondence from the Carers Association are: · "Hands off" the half rate carer's allowance and the respite care grant; · Protect carer's allowance and carer's benefit and address anomalies in qualifying criteria; · Enhance and support carers' health and wellbeing; · Provide comprehensive supports for family carers, including young carers; and · Publish the National Carer's Strategy.

The Government is acutely aware and appreciative of the contribution made by carers. It was for that reason, that when resources were available, we invested heavily in improving social welfare rates and services for carers.

The carer's allowance rate for carers over 66 years of age was not changed in this year's budget and remains at €239. The rate of carer's allowance for someone under 66 is €212.

Since the introduction of the carer's allowance in 1990 payments to carers have been increased and expanded. Carer's allowance was increased in 2007, 2008 and 2009 by 12.1%, 6.5% and 3.3%, respectively. As a result, even with the reduction announced in the last Budget for carers under 66, the weekly rate of payment for the carer's allowance is still almost 20% higher this year than in 2006 and more than 147% higher than in 1997.

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 and household benefits package.

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 September 2007 a new half-rate carer's allowance was introduced for certain people with another social welfare entitlement. This allowance was introduced following commitments given in "Towards 2016" and recommendations made by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social and Family Affairs in the "Report on the Position of Full-Time Carers". As well as increases in the rates of payment and improvements in the means testing arrangements over the period from 2000, the introduction of the half-rate entitlement has been, by far, the most significant and costly development in support for carers in recent years. This new payment was the primary driver in a 26% increase in the number of recipients in 2008 as well as a 9% increase in 2009. As of August 2010 there were 20,106 people in receipt of a half rate carers payment or 40% of all carer's allowance recipients.

As regards the National Carer's Strategy, 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. However, because of the prevailing economic situation, it was not possible to set targets or time limits 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. This position remains unchanged.

The other issues identified are primarily the responsibility of the Department of Health and Children. The Government will continue to support carers within the resources available. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further on budgetary proposals at this stage. Full consideration will, of course, be given to the impact of any proposals on the recipients involved.