Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 January 2014
411. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for the anticipated 12% reduction in spending on carer's benefit in 2015; and if she anticipates a reduction in the number of applications made. [1735/14]
View answerIt is assumed that the Deputy is referring to the provision for carer’s benefit in 2014 as distinct from 2015. The 2014 Revised Estimates Volume (REV) provides for expenditure on carer's benefit of €21.5 million this year. This is 12% lower than the 2013 REV estimate and is mainly due to an ongoing decrease in the number of recipients.
However, the total provision for expenditure on carers generally (carer's allowance, carer's benefit, domiciliary care allowance and respite care grant) in 2014 is nearly €806 million. This is €28.9 million higher than the 2013 REV estimate and €4.6 million higher than the expected outturn for 2013.
