Liam Aylward
Question:324 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will review the guidelines governing carers' leave (details supplied) and make a statement on the matters outlined. [30799/01]
Written Answers. - Carer's Leave.
These arrangements involve two separate elements. The carer's leave scheme covers the protection of the carer's employment rights for the duration of the caring period. Issues in relation to this are the responsibility of my colleague, Deputy Tom Kitt, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
The carer's benefit scheme, which is the responsibility of my Department is intended to support people who must leave the workforce temporarily to care for someone who is in need of full-time care and attention. This is a weekly income support payment which is based on PRSI contributions paid by the carer. The maximum duration of the carer's benefit scheme is set at 65 weeks as it is considered that employers would experience difficulties in preserving employee's rights for a longer period. However, it is important to note that each care recipient may receive a total of 65 weeks care. This may be claimed as a single continuous period or in separate time periods. In the event of a person's carer's benefit expiring and the need for income support still existing, it is, of course, open to the carer to apply for carer's allowance.
In order to qualify for carers' benefit a person must be in full-time employment. This condition is satisfied if the person worked at least 19 hours per week in the three months prior to applying for carer's benefit. Issues surrounding the 19 hour per week requirement have recently been brought to the attention of my Department and the position is being reviewed.