Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 March 2021
534. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will respond to concerns raised by a person (details attached) about possible additional funding grants for carers during Covid-19 restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11128/21]
View answerThe main income supports to carers provided by my Department are Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit, Domiciliary Care Allowance and the Carer’s Support Grant. Combined spending on the above payments to carers in 2021 is expected to exceed €1.4 billion.
Notwithstanding the substantial extra financial demands due to the COVID-19 crisis, I announced that the Carer’s Support Grant would continue to be paid to carers. This is a payment for carers throughout the State and is paid in June each year, not just to people in receipt of a carer’s payment but also to other carers who may not be dependent on State income supports. The grant is paid in respect of each person being cared for. In recognition of the vital role that carers provide in our society, the Carers Support Grant will increase by €150 next June at an estimated cost of over €265 million in 2021. The new rate will be €1,850 – the highest ever rate at which it will have been paid since its introduction.
The Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme provides a "safety net" within the overall social welfare system and provides assistance to eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependants. SWA provides immediate and flexible assistance for those in need who do not qualify for payment under other schemes. Carers may also (subject to certain conditions) qualify for the Household Benefits Package and the Free Travel Scheme.
In addition, in responding to COVID-19, the Department has made special provisions for those who have lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic. A carer whose work ceases as a result of COVID-19 and whose situation qualifies them for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment will get the payment along with their current carer income support, whether Carer’s Allowance or Carer’s Benefit.
I can assure the Deputy that I am very aware of the commitment of family carers and the key role they play in society and I am very conscious of the particular challenges facing our family carers at this time. I will continue to keep the range of supports provided by my Department under review to ensure that the overall objectives of the carer income supports provided are met.
Any improvements or additions to the current carer's income supports provided by this Department can only be considered in a budgetary context and in the light of available financial resources.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
