Mary Flaherty
Ceist:425 Miss Flaherty asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is considering any improvements in the carer's allowance scheme, especially in relation to the rigorous means test which virtually excludes all applicants.
Written Answers. - Carer's Allowance Scheme.
The carer's allowance, which was introduced in November 1990, provided, for the first time, for a direct payment to be made to the carer on a means-tested basis. It is directed at persons who are providing elderly or incapacitated pensioners with full-time care and attention and whose income falls below certain limits.
The maximum rate of the carer's allowance will be increased from £50 to £53 per week from next July.
Any change in the means test or its total abolition would have considerable cost implications and would have to be examined in the light of existing resources.
I am making arrangements to review the carer's allowance scheme and will be consulting with my colleague, the Minister for Health, in regard to appropriate provision for carers.