Support of carers has been a priority of Government since 1997. Payments to carers have been greatly improved over that period and qualifying conditions for carers allowance have been significantly eased, coverage of the scheme has been extended, and new schemes such as carers benefit and the respite care payment have been introduced. The further development of support for carers continues to be a priority.
There are now 30,652 persons in receipt of Carer's Allowance. The number of persons in receipt of carer's allowance has increased by 9,326 since December 2003. 1,904 persons are currently in receipt of Carer's Benefit. To date 7,227 persons have been awarded the Respite Care Grant for 2007.
Following from enhancements in Budget 2007, from tomorrow people receiving a social welfare payment and providing care to a person needing full –time assistance may apply for a reduced rate Carers Allowance.