Brian Brennan (Wicklow-Wexford, Fine Gael)
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575. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if consideration was given to the qualified adult allowance for a person (details supplied); if this will be reconsidered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7211/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Increase for Qualified Adult (IQA) allowance is a means-tested payment, payable to a State Pension (contributory) claimant whose spouse, civil partner or cohabitant is being wholly or mainly maintained by them, and where that qualified adult’s personal means from any source does not exceed a means test income limit.

Where a qualified adult has weekly means of less than €100, the maximum rate of IQA is payable. Where their weekly means are over €100 and not more than €310, a tapering reduced rate of IQA is payable. If the qualified adult has means of more than €310 per week, this exceeds the means limit and there is no entitlement to an IQA payment.

Where property or assets are held jointly, the qualified adult's means are assessed as half of the total amount. The family home is not included in the means assessment. If a property other than the family home is rented, the total gross weekly rental income received is assessable. If the property is jointly owned, half the gross weekly rental income is assessable. Expenses are not allowable as a deduction.

The IQA is currently paid at the reduced weekly rate of €109.00 . This is based on a weekly means of €253.15 of which €151.15 is from rental income.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.