Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

714. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of working hours allowable for a person to qualify for carer's allowance and-or benefit in 2003; the changes to the working hours allowable in the period up to 2018 of each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6493/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

A primary qualifying condition for the Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Benefit payments is that the applicant provides full-time care and attention to a person in need of such care. However, in order to support a carers continued attachment to the workforce and broader social inclusion, carers may engage in some limited employment, education or training, while still being regarded as being in a position to provide full-time care. During this time of employment, education or training, adequate provision must be made for the care of the relevant person.

In 2003, the number of hours per week that carers could engage in employment, education or training outside the home was 10. As part of Budget 2006, this was increased from 10 to 15 hours per week. There has been no further change since then.

Any further changes to this condition would need to be considered in a budgetary context and would also need to maintain a reasonable balance between the requirement to provide full-time care for the care recipient and the needs of the carer.

I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.