Shane Moynihan (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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833. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the supports that exist to support workers who are in receipt of carers' allowance payments and also on maternity leave, but whose maternity leave is paid directly to their employer thus resulting in a net loss per week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24422/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The purpose of weekly payments made by the Department are to provide an income support for people experiencing specific contingencies that limit their ability to earn an income through employment. These contingencies include unemployment, illness, disability, and caring responsibilities, as well as maternity leave.

In general where a person experiences two or more contingencies at the same time, they receive one payment - the higher of the available payments. This is because the loss of employment earnings does not increase; a person with one contingency that means they cannot work experiences the same loss of income as person with multiple contingencies.

One such exception is half-rate Carer’s Allowance where a person can retain half of their carers payment while also claim another full-time payment.

In the case of a carer claiming Maternity Benefit, the carer may be eligible for the full weekly rate of Maternity Benefit currently at €289, as well as a Half-rate Carer’s Allowance of up to €130 for those aged under 66 and caring for one person.

In such circumstances, the amount payable by the Department could increase from €260 per week to €419 per week. This is an increase per week of €159 per week. In addition, the Department will continue to provide Child Support Payments as appropriate. These are paid with Maternity Benefit, at a rate of €50 per week for any children under 12 or €62 per week for children 12 or over. They may also be entitled to an Increase for a Qualified Adult at a weekly rate of €162 for the duration of their maternity leave.

Some employers will continue to pay an employee, in full, while the employee is on maternity leave. In such cases, the Maternity Benefit may be mandated to the employer. An employee’s contract of employment will outline the employer’s financial contribution to the employee for the maternity leave and this arrangement is outside the control of the Department.

The Deputy has raised a relevant point and I have asked officials to look into it.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.