Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 9 Jul 1997

Vol. 480 No. 2

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Regulations.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

273 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will amend social welfare regulations whereby persons in receipt of widows pension, who are also providing full time care as defined under the carer's allowance scheme, are unable to draw both carer's allowance and widows pension simultaneously. [13850/97]

Minister for Social Welfare (Mr. D. Ahern)

Under the provisions of section 209 (1) of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, 1993, the concurrent payment of widow's pension and carer's allowance is not permitted.

The widow's and widower's pension scheme recognises the financial difficulties that may arise for people who are bereaved by the death of their spouse.

The purpose of the carer's allowance is to provide an income maintenance payment to people who are providing elderly or incapacitated pensioners or certain disabled persons with full-time care and attention and whose income falls below certain limits.

In general, people may only qualify for one full weekly payment from my Department and I have no plans to change the current legislation to allow dual payments in the case of widows or widowers and carers.