Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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166. To ask the Minister for Social Protection his plans to improve the carer's benefit scheme, with particular reference to the need to extend the time period of 104 weeks, in view of the fact this scheme has been particularly beneficial for many parents that have employment opportunities and whereby flexible working arrangements are available; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this scheme is helpful to parents with a child with a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14549/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The carer’s benefit scheme provides income support to full-time carers who leave the workforce temporarily to provide care and thereby assist in maintaining care recipients in the community. This, and other care-related supports, such as the carer’s allowance payment and the carer’s support grant provide recognition and support for the valuable role of carers.

The duration of carer’s benefit is aligned with the duration of carer’s leave, available under the Carer’s Leave Act, 2001. The Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation have responsibility for the Carer’s Leave Act.

The 104 week duration represents a reasonable length of time to support a carer’s temporary absence from work and the Government has no plans currently to increase the duration of carer’s leave or benefit.

Where care is provided beyond the period of entitlement to carers benefit, the means tested carer’s allowance is available for those who are in need of income support. There may also be an entitlement to carers support grant if the conditions are met. These arrangements ensure an efficient use of public funds while assisting those who are in most need of an income support.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.