Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 November 2012
387. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will take steps to ensure that the carer's allowance rate and half rate carer's allowance will be protected in budget 2013; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51226/12]
View answerThe Revised Estimates for my Department provide for expenditure in 2012 of nearly €20.55 billion. This includes expenditure of €520.47 million on carer’s allowance, €23.32 million on carer’s benefit, €132.19 million on the respite care grant and €104.19 on domiciliary care allowance – a total of over €780 million in 2012.
I recognise that managing expenditure in 2013 and beyond will be extremely difficult and requires a critical analysis of all expenditure items. In this regard, I held a pre-Budget forum in October which was attended by thirty community and voluntary groups, including a number of groups representing carers. I listened carefully to the groups’ views and proposals in relation to the forthcoming Budget and I am considering all submissions made to me in that regard, including written submissions made by Care Alliance Ireland and the Carers Association.
The Government is considering the appropriate level of expenditure on the wide variety and schemes and services operated by my Department in 2013 in the context of the forthcoming Budget. The outcome will be announced on Budget Day.
