Catherine Callaghan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

108. 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. [21765/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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 to a loved one. 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. However, the continued extension of a Pay-Related-Benefit approach to other schemes will require detailed analysis including impacts on PRSI rates and would have to be considered in an overall budgetary and policy context.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.