Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 September 2021
504. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide €68.5 million to increase weekly carer payments by €8, the carer’s support grant to €2,000 and the carer’s allowance income disregards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46290/21]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that I will be considering a range of options for Budget 2022 over the coming weeks, taking account of available resources.
My Department provides a range of income supports to carers through the Carer's Allowance, Carer's Benefit, Carer's Support Grant and Domiciliary Care Allowance schemes. In total, it is estimated that my Department will spend almost €1.5 billion on these supports in 2021.
A series of evidence-based targeted measures were introduced in the last two Budgets to ensure the most vulnerable, including carers, are protected. For example, the qualified child rates were increased by €4 for children aged under 12, and €8 for those aged 12 and over. This benefits many of those on a carer’s payment. The Carer's Support Grant was also increased by €150, from €1,700 to €1,850 per year.
The means test for Carer's Allowance is unique within the social welfare system, in that a single person can have a weekly income of up to €332.50 (€665 in the case of a couple) and still qualify for the full rate of payment.
I can assure the Deputy that I am very much aware of the key role that family carers play in our society and I will continue to keep the range of supports available to carers under review. However, any improvements or additions to these supports can only be considered in an overall budgetary and policy context.
