Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2021
90. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection if persons in receipt of the carer’s allowance who worked in excess of the 18.5 hours in nursing homes and care homes which was permitted as a result of staff shortages during the pandemic will be penalised; if she will look favourably on these cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25571/21]
View answerCarer's allowance is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that results in them requiring that level of care. A primary qualifying condition for the Carer’s Allowance is that the applicant provides full-time care and attention to a person in need of such a level of care. However, to support a carer’s continued attachment to the workforce and broader social inclusion, carer's may engage in some employment, education or training, while still being regarded as providing full-time care. Carer’s Allowance is a statutory scheme and both the full-time care and attention requirement and the 18.5 hour limitation on work or education are set out in legislation. Carers are required to notify the Department if they commence employment or if they have any increase in the hours they are working, or of any other change in circumstances. My Department is aware that during the Covid-19 pandemic, some healthcare workers on the frontline were required to work above their normal hours. I want to assure the Deputy that instances such as those outlined in the question are looked at on a case by case basis, taking account of the individual's circumstances with discretion applied where there has been evidence that the carer continued to provide the level of care required to the caree.
