Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 292: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she has decided to cut the half-rate carer's allowance received by more than 21,000 family carers by 40% in budget 2012; if not, if she will make a public commitment not to cut this important support for carers in budget 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36076/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Estimate for my Department in 2011 provides for expenditure of over €762 million on carer's allowance (including half rate carer's allowance), carer's benefit, domiciliary care allowance and respite care grant schemes. Recipients of carer's allowance may also be entitled to the household benefits package and free travel. There are considerable challenges ahead including the need to protect, as far as possible, the key income supports and services operated by my Department, including those for carers. This process is being informed by the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure which has been completed by my Department, with the key decisions being made in the context of framing the Budget for 2012.