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National Carers Strategy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 April 2013

Thursday, 25 April 2013

Questions (107, 108, 110)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

107. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Protection her views that family carer's provide an invaluable service and save the Government money by providing unpaid care to family members; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19587/13]

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Terence Flanagan

Question:

108. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department is considering any other options to support carers who are experiencing difficulties as a result of cuts to the respite care grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19588/13]

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Terence Flanagan

Question:

110. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has concerns that recent cuts to family carers will prevent persons from being cared for and growing old in their own homes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19609/13]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 107, 108 and 110 together.

The contribution that people provide in caring for members of their own family is critical for society. It was for that reason that the Government last year adopted the National Carers’ Strategy with a view to giving greater public recognition to carers and their work. Carers receive significant income supports from my Department so that people can continue living at home. Expenditure on carers has increased significantly in recent years. In 2013 it is estimated to be €776 million compared with an estimated outturn of €771 million in 2012. The expenditure on carers in 2012 included: €509 million on carer’s allowance; €24 million on carer’s benefit; €135 million on the respite care grant and; €103 million on domiciliary care allowance. Carers also receive a free travel pass at an annual cost of €6 million and carers who reside with the care recipient are eligible for the household benefits package at an annual cost of approximately €30 million. The revised rate of the respite care grant of €1,375 will still be more than what it was in 2006 when the rate was €1,200.

The respite care grant is paid to more than 70,000 people each year, with some 5,000 people in receipt of more than one grant as they care for more than one person. Almost 54,000 people are in receipt of the carer’s allowance and 27,000 in receipt of the domiciliary care allowance. There are also 1,700 in receipt of carer’s benefit. Some 5,000 carers not in receipt of a carer’s payment also receive the grant.

The supports to carers from my Department are among the highest rates of income support in Europe. A person getting certain qualifying payments and also providing full-time care and attention to another person can keep their main social welfare payment and receive a half-rate carer’s allowance as well. The half-rate carer’s allowance was protected in Budget 2013. The respite care grant is available to all full-time carers regardless of their means while the income disregard and means test for carers allowance is the most generous in the social welfare system. A couple under 66 with two children, earning a joint annual income of up to €35,400 can qualify for the maximum rate of carer’s allowance while a couple earning €59,300 will still qualify for the minimum rate. Carers are entitled to an extra half-rate carer’s allowance if they care for more than one person and a respite care grant for each care recipient.

Question No. 109 withdrawn.
Question No. 110 answered with Question No. 107.
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