Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Carer's Allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment, made to persons who are providing full-time care and attention to a person who has a disability such that they require that level of care.

It is a condition for receipt of CA that the carer is not employed or self-employed outside his or her home.

However, where the carer can show to the satisfaction of a deciding officer or appeals officer that adequate care is provided for the care recipient in their absence, they can engage in employment or self-employment or undertake training or education courses, as long as the aggregate time spent on these activities outside their home does not exceed 15 hours per week.

When the carer is also a farmer, the same conditions apply to him or her as they do to any self-employed person. How the 15 hours limit is used is a matter for each carer. It is only when they exceed 15 hours per week that their entitlement is affected and, should this occur, they should contact the Department.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.