Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 October 2022
28. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on the announcement made to support carers in Budget 2023; if she will also provide an update on plans to allow carers to qualify for contributions for State pensions for the first time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49596/22]
View answerAs part of Budget 2023, I announced a number of measures in relation to supports provided by my Department for carers. These measures acknowledge the important role that family carers play in our society and the particular challenges they face in light of the current cost of living crisis.
The measures benefitting family carers directly include:
- €500 Cost of Living lump sum payment to be paid in November.
- Cost of Living Double Payment to carers in be paid in October.
- Carers will also receive the Christmas Bonus Double Payment in early December.
- €12 increase in the maximum rate of Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Benefit with effect from January 2023, with proportionate increases for people receiving a reduced rate.
- The Half-rate Carer’s Allowance will be disregarded in the means assessment for Fuel Allowance with effect from January 2023.
With regard to pension provision for carers, I announced a series of landmark reforms to the State Pension system, which were approved by Cabinet, on 20th September 2022.
One of the reforms agreed by Government, is enhanced State Pension provision for long-term carers (in excess of 20 years), as recommended by the Pensions Commission, and to be introduced from January 2024. This will be implemented:
- through a scheme to ensure that long-term carers can be attributed with contributions for gaps in their contribution record arising from their time spent caring; and
- through the establishment of a ‘Family Carer Register'.
My officials will work to implement the reforms, including the drafting of legislation and development of administrative and IT systems as necessary. As part of the work to implement the new scheme, relevant Government Departments, and other stakeholders, will examine options for the creation of a statutory ‘Family Carer Register’.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
