Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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107. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her Department has provided funding to help carers in accessing education and employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5022/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The main income supports to carers provided by my Department are Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit, Domiciliary Care Allowance and the Carer’s Support Grant. Combined spending on these payments to carers in 2022 is expected to exceed €1.5 billion.

In order to support a carer’s continued attachment to the workforce and broader social inclusion, carers may engage in some limited employment, education or training, of up to 18.5 hours per week.

In addition to income supports, my Department has utilised the Dormant Accounts Fund to support projects that promote training and supports for family carers. These projects include the provision of structured training, information and support networks including the development of support groups to assist with transition at the end of the caring role. The projects are selected as part of a competitive process organised by Pobal.

In December 2020, I approved funding of €577,890 to provide a range of training and supports for family carers for projects under the Dormant Accounts Action Plan 2020. These projects run to the end of June. The purpose of the measure is to increase the employment, including self-employment, and education and training opportunities for carers and young carers.

Furthermore, in October I announced additional funding of €480,153 to Care Alliance Ireland and Family Carers Ireland under the Dormant Accounts Fund. This supplementary funding sought will allow both organisations to build on existing work.

I can assure the Deputy that I am very aware of the commitment and the key role family carers play in society and I will continue to keep the range of supports available to carers under review.

I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.