Robert Troy
Question:632. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to include carer's allowance as income as part of the Rebuilding Ireland home loan. [9003/19]
View answerDáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 February 2019
632. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to include carer's allowance as income as part of the Rebuilding Ireland home loan. [9003/19]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan is not, as a general rule, available to those in receipt of unemployment or other social welfare benefits. However, where there is a primary income of a waged or salaried nature, long-term State benefit payments may be considered. State benefit payments allowable are:
- State Pension (Contributory);
- State pension (Non-Contributory);
- Widow’s/Widower’s Pension;
- Blind Pension;
- Invalidity Pension; and
- Disability Allowance.
The long-term nature of the payment must be confirmed by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. All applications are dealt with on a case-by-case basis and are referred to the relevant local authority's Credit Committee for a final decision.
As Carer's Allowance does not fall within this category of long-term payment, I have no plans to alter the conditions of the scheme in the manner outlined by the Deputy.