Written answers
Wednesday, 23 September 2015
Department of Social Protection
Carer's Allowance Eligibility
Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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53. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her plans to allow discretion on the 15-hour week employment exemption under the carer's allowance scheme where it has no impact on the level of care provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32420/15]
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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A key qualifying condition for the payment of carer’s allowance is that the person receiving care is medically assessed as needing care on a full-time basis, while a person in receipt of carer’s allowance can engage in employment, self-employment, training or education outside the home for up to 15 hours per week and still qualify for the payment.
I am satisfied that this strikes a reasonable balance which allows the carer to engage in activity outside the caring environment while still satisfying the need to provide care and attention on a full time basis, and so I have no plans to make any changes in this area.
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