I propose to take Questions Nos. 1307 and 1348 together.
Supporting and recognising carers in our society is, and has been, a priority of the Government since 1997. Over that period, weekly payment rates to carers have greatly increased, qualifying conditions for carer's allowance have significantly eased, coverage of the scheme has been extended and new schemes such as carer's benefit and the respite care grant have been introduced and extended.
The carer's benefit scheme is specifically intended to support people who must leave the workforce temporarily to care for someone who is in need of full-time care and attention. In Budget 2006 the duration of carer's benefit was extended from 15 to 24 months in respect of each person being cared for. The duration for which people can avail of the associated carer's leave scheme was similarly extended in 2006. It is considered that employers would experience difficulties in preserving employee's rights for a longer period.
If the need for income support still exists after carer's benefit has expired, it is of course, open to the carer to apply for carer's allowance. Payment of carer's allowance continues for as long as the person continues to satisfy all of the qualifying conditions. In addition, a respite care grant will be paid each year, even after payment of carer's benefit has ceased, for as long as the person satisfies the full-time care and other qualifying conditions.