Written answers

Thursday, 3 December 2020

Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Photo of Michael LowryMichael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

235. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to enhance financial supports for carers in view of the ongoing Covid-19 situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40463/20]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The main income supports to carers provided by my Department are Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit and the Carer’s Support Grant. Combined spending on the above payments to carers in 2020 is expected to exceed €1.3 billion.

In responding to COVID-19, the Department has made special provisions for those who may be most vulnerable and negatively affected at this time, that is, those who have been diagnosed with COVID-19, have been medically certified to self-isolate and those who have lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic.

My Department introduced the following short-term emergency payments - the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment and COVID-19 Enhanced Illness Benefit. Both of these temporary measures allow payments to be made with certain other social welfare payments including Carer’s Allowance or Carer’s Benefit. A carer whose work ceases as a result of COVID-19 and whose situation qualifies them for one of these payments will get them along with their current carer's income support whether Carer’s Allowance or Carer’s Benefit.

Despite the substantial extra financial demands due to the COVID-19 crisis, I announced that the Carer’s Support Grant would continue to be paid to carers this year at an estimated cost of over €237 million. Furthermore, as part of Budget 2021, I announced an increase of €150 to this grant, bringing it from €1,700 to €1,850.

Any improvements or additions to these supports can only be considered in a budgetary context, taking account of other expenditure pressures in this and other Departments, and in the light of available financial resources.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.