Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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297. To ask the Minister for Social Protection her plans to change the way in which carer's allowance is assessed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48816/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The current assessment arrangements for Carer’s Allowance are designed to ensure that individuals requiring full-time care are supported in their own home, and that appropriate income support is provided to carers. The current arrangements allow carers to engage in work, education or training for up to 15 hours per week. There is also a generous means test. In the case of a single person, €332.50 of gross weekly income is not taken into account (or disregarded). If you are married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting the first €665 of your combined gross weekly income is disregarded. PRSI, union dues, superannuation (pension contributions) and travel expenses are also deducted. There is no intention to make changes to the assessment criteria for Carer’s Allowance at this time.