James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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321. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will protect carer's allowance from further cuts in the forthcoming budget; if she is committed to helping carers in the community of counties Longford and Westmeath by introducing travelling expenses in rural areas [25407/14]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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At the outset, I should point out that the financial supports available to carers in Ireland, are among the highest rates of income support in Europe, and overall expenditure on carers has increased significantly in recent years. In 2014 it is estimated to be €806 million, compared to €773m in 2012.

In relation to rates, the Government has protected core social welfare rates generally, including carer's allowance, during its period in office. There are no plans to reduce the rate of carer's allowance.

While the Department‘s primary responsibility to carers lies in the provision of income support, while under the National Carer's Strategy, responsibility for ensuring that carers can access affordable transport rests with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (DTTS).