Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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210. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the supports in place for parents of a child who has cerebral palsy and requires both parents to act as full-time carers leaving them unable to seek employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2687/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Carers’Allowance (CA) is the primary income support for those who are providing full-time care and attention to a care recipient. Only one Carer's Allowance can be paid in respect of a person requiring full-time care and attention. Two carers who are providing full-time care on a part-time basis in an established pattern can share the carers allowance income support payment and the annual respite care grant.

Where the carer has an entitlement to another social welfare payment in their own right they may qualify for a half-rate Carers’ Allowance in addition to their primary payment. (This does not apply to Jobseekers’ Benefit or Jobseekers’ Allowance as the conditionality for these two schemes involves a requirement to be available for full-time work).

If the Carer's spouse/civil partner/cohabitant is in receipt of a payment from the Department, which included an increase in respect of him/her as a dependant, the increase on the spouse/civil partner/cohabitant's social welfare payment will continue to be payable along with a half -rate Carers Allowance payment.

I should also add that Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is a monthly payment payable in respect of a child aged under 16 with a severe disability likely to last for at least one year, who requires ongoing care and attention, substantially over and above the care and attention usually required by a child of the same age. It is not means tested.