The review of the carer's allowance, which was published in October 1998, noted that it is difficult to estimate the number of full-time carers. While care groups have estimated this figure to be approximately 100,000, it is not clear whether all these are full-time carers. Based on work in the review, the current figure is estimated to be about 50,000 people covering carers of older people and adults and children with disabilities. The complete abolition of the means test would cost in excess of £150 million in a full year based on these estimates.
At the end of December 1999 there were almost 14,400 carer's allowances in payment at a cost of almost £58 million. This is an increase of almost 60% in the number of carers in receipt of the allowance since the Government took office. The review of the allowance noted that it is an income support payment and not a payment for caring. It examined the means test and considered that it should be maintained as a way of targeting scarce public resources towards those who are most in need. The means test applied to the allowance is one of the more flexible tests in terms of the assessment of household income. The position and operation of the test will be kept under review.
I introduced a major package of improvements for carers in the 1999 budget at a cost of £18 mill ion, including the improvement of the means test for carer's allowance. A disregard of £75 per week is applied to the income of a single carer and a disregard of £150 per week is applied to the joint means of a married couple. I announced the introduction of a carer's benefit scheme in the recent budget. I am delighted to inform the Deputy that I secured Government approval at the Cabinet meeting in Ballaghaderreen to extend the duration of the scheme from 12 months, as announced, to 15 months to bring it in line with other schemes of this nature. It will provide financial support and allow carers to avail of a job-protected leave of absence for up to 15 months.
This new benefit will be based on a person's PRSI contributions and will come into effect in October 2000. Full details will be given in the forthcoming Social Welfare Bill. In addition, I have made provision for an increase in the amount of the annual respite care grant for qualified carers from £200 to £300. Building further on measures I introduced in the previous budgets, I also extended the free electricity allowance and free television licence schemes to all carers in receipt of a carer's allowance and to carers who are caring for recipients of a constant attendance or prescribed relatives allowance. These extensions ensure that carers will qualify for all free schemes from October. The extensive measures that I have introduced in recent budgets to benefit carers clearly indicate my commitment and that of the Government to carers.