Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 July 2023
118. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Social Protection whether her Department has produced a report on the unpaid carers identified in Census 2022; and whether she intends to expand the carer’s allowance to provide payment to these people. [33091/23]
View answerThe key role of my department is to provide income supports where an income need may arise due to unemployment, illness/disability and caring responsibilities.The 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. Spending in 2023 is expected to amount to almost €1.6 billion on these payments. The two principal conditions for receipt of Carer’s Allowance are that full time care and attention is required and provided, and that a means test is satisfied.My department has not produced a report on the carers identified in Census 2022 as the Census figure includes all unpaid carers providing care from 1 hour a week and upwards. For the purposes of Carer's Allowance however, a carer must be providing full-time care and attention to a relevant person, where the number of hours providing such care is not less than 35 hours in a period of 7 consecutive days, and care is provided on any 5 days, whether consecutive or not, within a period of 7 consecutive days.The Carer’s Allowance is a demand led scheme. There are currently 93,609 recipients of Carer’s Allowance. I would encourage any carer who feels they may be eligible to apply for this income support.I have a proven track record in providing significant enhancements to social welfare benefits for carers, including the first increase in the disregard for 14 years, an increase to the Carer's Support Grant to its highest ever level of €1,850, as well as lump sum payments and increases to core rates.I hope that this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.
