Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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111. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection for clarification on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28628/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Carer's Allowance is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that, as a result, they require that level of care.

It is generally only possible to claim one personal social assistance or social insurance payment at a time in Ireland. However, in some circumstances, you can keep your primary payment and get half of another social welfare payment.

Since 2007, in recognition of the duties that carers perform in looking after a person full-time, the legislation was amended and it became possible for a carer to be in receipt of a social welfare payment and also be in receipt of Carer's Allowance, albeit at half rate.

The person concerned is in receipt of a Contributory State Pension and can qualify for Carer's Allowance at half-rate and retain her SPC payment where all the conditions for Carer's Allowance are satisfied.

At present, there is no provision in legislation for full rate Carer's Allowance to be paid along with another social welfare payment.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.