Liam Aylward
Question:78 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will outline in detail the change in the residence conditions governing the carer's allowance. [15572/99]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
The residency requirements, that the carer must live with the care recipient, are there to safeguard the interests of the care recipient. This requirement was examined as part of the review of the carer's allowance, published in October 1998 and it was proposed that this rule be relaxed to introduce greater flexibility into the scheme.
On foot of this, new arrangements will apply from 5 August 1999. Guidelines are currently under consideration and details will be announced shortly.
It is estimated that 400 new carers will benefit from this measure at an annual cost of £1.8 million.