Vol. 549 No. 3
36 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the latest figures for the take-up of carer's benefit; and his views on whether the 15 month time limit on this benefit is a factor which discourages working carers from applying. [6620/02]
The carer's benefit scheme 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. It 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. This time period should be sufficient to facilitate carers to temporarily care for an elderly or infirm person or to make long-term arrangements. It is also considered that employers would experience difficulties in preserving an employee's rights for a longer period. The 65 weeks carer's leave may be claimed as a single continuous period or in separate time periods. However, it is important to note that a carer may claim carer's benefit for a different care recipient for another 65 weeks later in their working life. In the event of a person's carer's benefit expiring and the need for income support still existing, it is open to the carer to apply for carer's allowance.
Carer's benefit was introduced in October 2000 and 680 carers have benefited to date, of which 460 carers are currently receiving benefits. It is estimated that there could eventually be in the region of 6,800 people on carer's benefit once the scheme reaches maturity. The number of recipients of carer's allowance increased from 3,355 in 1991, its first full year in existence, to 19,000 after 12 years of the scheme's operation. It may take many years before carer's benefit reaches maturity and it is expected that the scheme will only have in the region of 500 to 1,000 recipients in the first number of years.
Does the Minister agree that it is almost three years since he announced the development of carer's benefit? The trade unions and the Labour Party proposed it many years ago.
The Labour Party did nothing about it.
However, only 460 people have been able to access it after a lengthy period. It is not a significant method of operation for a worker to take time off to care for an elderly parent or a disabled child. The Department carried out a fine study of carers and found that the average length of time taken was three and a half or four years. The 15 month period is a severe disadvantage to workers. They should be able to think in terms of taking a more lengthy period off work. During the debate on the Bill the Minister's colleague extended it.
I do not know if the Deputy asked a question. While the Labour Party might have discussed it, it did nothing about it. I introduced it.
It is only a handful of people.
I ask Deputy Broughan to allow the Minister to reply.
The trade unions have complimented the Government on introducing it. We worked with the trade unions and the employers to reach a decision about the period. Some 15 months was regarded as a reasonable balance on the issue of employment rights.
They wanted three years.
The Deputy has been critical during previous Question Times of the number of people in receipt of carer's benefit. Some 680 people have benefited from carer's benefit since its inception in October 2000, not three years ago.
It was announced three years ago.
Does the Minister accept that the small take-up of the scheme is an example of its restrictive nature, despite his propaganda? The current estimation that 460 people benefit from the carer's scheme is small. Has he any plans to be more flexible about the current waiting time limit to ensure that a greater number of people can apply for the benefit, which is an employment based benefit to which they are entitled?
I am looking at the conditions for the carer's benefit. I am more than happy with the numbers, which have exceeded Deputy Broughan's expectation and that of my Department officials.
We were expecting a few thousand at this stage.
We are looking at the conditions and at possible changes in the conditions. Such schemes take time to ramp up after they are introduced. The implementation of the scheme is significant. When I came to office, 9,000 people were in receipt of carer's allowance, but that has increased to 20,000 people to date.
Some 680 people will be eternally grateful to the Minister.
I stand on my record.
The Minister should keep standing on it.
