Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Feb 1992

Vol. 416 No. 2

Written Answers. - Carer's Allowance.

Jim Mitchell

Question:

153 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health whether a carer's allowance or any other form of payment or tax-free allowance is payable in a case where an 87 year old lady living at home is in need of 24-hour care and where the only other person living in the same dwelling, her daughter, is working but is paying out of her own pocket the full cost of hiring carers during the day while she is at work; if, in view of the hardship of this case and similar cases he will now take steps to grant financial assistance in these circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Connell)

In the first instance I would point out to the Deputy that my colleague, the Minister for Social Welfare, is responsible for the carer's allowance scheme.

As regards any other payments or benefits to which the person might be entitled, it would be necessary to examine the circumstances in some detail and if the Deputy will let me have the name and address of the family involved I will have the position checked out by the appropriate health board and will communicate with the Deputy.