William Aird (Laois, Fine Gael)
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688. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the cost of increasing the carers allowance by two percent; in line with inflation; ten percent; 20 percent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62223/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The estimated annual cost of increasing Carer's Allowance by 2%, increasing the current full rate by €6 and the current half rate by €3, is €21.70m.

The estimated annual cost of increasing Carer's Allowance by 10%, increasing the current full rate by €29.80 and the current half rate by €14.90, is €108.40m.

The estimated annual cost of increasing Carer's Allowance by 20%, increasing the current full rate by €59.60 and the current half rate by €29.80, is €216.80m.

These costings are based on the current full and half rate Carer's Allowances rates for 2025. At full rate, this amounts to €260 for people under 66 years and €298 for people 66 years and over, and at half rate it amounts to €130 for people under 66 years and €149 for people 66 years and over.

These costings are based on the estimated average number of recipients in 2026, and are subject to change in light of emerging trends and subsequent revision of the estimated number of recipients.