Cecilia Keaveney
Question:213 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether there will be a review of policy in relation to the means testing of the carers allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3056/97]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
The carer's allowance is a means tested social assistance scheme which provides an income maintenance payment to people who are providing elderly or incapacitated pensioners with full-time care and attention and whose incomes fall below certain limits. Since the scheme was first introduced in 1990 substantial improvements to the means testing arrangements have been introduced. In July 1994, for example, an income disregard of £100 per week in respect of the spouse's income from employment, or self-employment, was introduced. In addition, the initial disregard of £2 was increased to £6. In 1995, the disregard of spouse's income was increased to £150 per week.
In the context of the 1997 budget, I was pleased to announce that the means test for a number of payments, including the carer's allowance, is being further eased in relation to the treatment of capital and savings. The more generous provisions which already apply to a number of other groups are being extended to carers, non-contributory old age pensions, non-contributory widows and widowers, and people on the pre-retirement allowance. This measure will make a significant contribution towards my objective of achieving a uniform and consistent treatment of capital and savings for means test purposes across all social assistance schemes.
In addition, last month's budget provided for payment of an additional amount, equivalent to 50 per cent of their existing personal rate payment, to carers providing full-time care and attention to more than one person and also for an easing of the full-time care and attention condition in situations where care recipients are attending approved rehabilitative courses. I will continue to take every opportunity to further improve the terms and conditions applying to the carer's allowance scheme and thus to enhance the position of carers in our society.