Vol. 440 No. 5
49 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Social Welfare the total number of people in receipt of carer's allowance; the value of payments to carers in 1993; if his attention has been drawn to the potential that exists through carers, particularly to enable a person who requires constant care to remain in their home environment and in their community; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
At the end of January 1994, there were a total of 4,763 carer's allowances in payment. The total cost of this allowance in 1993 was £11.5 million.
I took full account of the vital and essential role played by carers in our society when I introduced the carer's allowance in 1990. That was the first time that a basic income maintenance payment was made directly to the carer. The carer's allowance has been improved and extended each year since and this year I am introducing a substantial improvement in the means testing arrangements which will benefit a carer whose spouse is in employment or self-employment. This will further increase the number of carers on low incomes who will receive a payment. I will continue to improve and develop the scheme as resources permit.
