Catherine Callaghan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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104. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if carer’s benefit could be considered as a scheme to be transformed into a pay-related one; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21652/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Programme for Government commits to examining the introduction of a Pay Related Carer’s Benefit for individuals who have to give up work suddenly in order to provide full-time care. In terms of roll-out of Pay-Related Benefits, the Programme for Government also contains a commitment to introduce a Pay-Related Parent’s Benefit.

The new Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit scheme commenced on 31st March. This experience will help to inform future decisions regarding pay-related schemes.

I am committed to supporting our family carers and I will continue to keep the range of supports provided by my department under review in an overall budgetary and policy context.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.