Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 February 2012
154 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Social Protection the numbers of carer’s payment recipients in County Donegal affected by the budgetary measure to include income from weekly carer’s payments for the purpose of calculating entitlement to family income supplement in line with other welfare payments; and if she will consider reversing this decision in view of the excellent work being undertaken by carer’s across the State. [10244/12]
View answerIn assessing weekly family income for the purposes of the family income supplement (FIS) most weekly social welfare payments are taken into account when means are assessed. This budget measure relating to the inclusion of carer's benefit or carer's allowance payments in the income assessment for FIS is designed to bring the treatment of carer's allowance and carer's benefit into line with how other primary social welfare payments are assessed. The measure also provides for a more consistent approach to the concurrent payment of FIS with other social welfare payments. Furthermore, the measure reduces a person's secondary payment (FIS) without affecting their primary payment, therefore targeting available scarce resources at those in most need.
From January 2012, for new applicants and upon renewal for existing claimants, income from carer's allowance and carer's benefit payments will be included in the (FIS) income assessment. The measure will be implemented on a phased basis over 3 years with 1/3 of the income from carer's allowance and carer's benefit payments assessed in 2012, 2/3 in 2013 and full assessment in 2014.
Currently there are approximately 63 carer's payment recipients in County Donegal who may be affected by this change.
Carers play a particularly important role in society which the Government acknowledges through a range of supports, including carer's allowance, half-rate carer's allowance, carer's benefit, the respite care grant, free travel and household benefits. The Government also recognises that welfare expenditure plays a vital role in protecting the most vulnerable people in Irish society, as well as stabilizing the economy generally. Although it has not been possible to exempt income support to families from the general budgetary strategy — given the level of adjustments required — the Government is committed to tackling Ireland's economic crisis in a way that is fair and balanced.
