Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 24 Oct 2002

Vol. 556 No. 2

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

David Stanton

Ceist:

13 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will relax the rules governing the free telephone rental allowance for pensioners living in a nursing home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19536/02]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mary Coughlan)

The free schemes share a common set of broad objectives, including the provision of assistance to those living alone by targeting them with specific benefits and supporting older people and people with disabilities in their wish to remain in the community as opposed to institutional care.

The original objective of the telephone allowance scheme was to provide an element of protection and security for older people and people with disabilities in their own homes where they were either living alone, or with people who would be unable to summon help in an emergency. An additional objective of the scheme now is to encourage social contact and to assist in the prevention of social isolation for those living alone.

The proposal to extend telephone allowance to pensioners resident in nursing homes does not fit easily within the community care objectives of these schemes. In addition, those living in nursing homes and other residential institutions have daily support and contact with other residents and nursing staff.

Undoubtedly, however, access to the telephone allowance would be of benefit in terms of facilitating contact with family and friends. The current arrangements for the free schemes are kept under review. Any changes in the arrangements, as the Deputy has proposed, would have to be considered in a budgetary context and in the context of overall Government priorities.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

14 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the extent to which she proposes to increase the number of persons eligible for a carer's allowance; if her attention has been drawn to the ever increasing number of people being cared for in the home, thereby saving the State considerably; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19517/02]

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

44 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her proposals to improve the carer's allowance scheme. [19381/02]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mary Coughlan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 44 together.

The carer's allowance is a social assistance payment which provides income support to carers on low incomes who look after people in need of full time care and attention.

There are currently more than 20,100 carers in receipt of carer's allowance. This means that almost 39% of the 52,000 carers, estimated by a census pilot survey to be caring for more than three hours per day, are in receipt of carer's allowance. This is an increase of more than 118% in the number of carers in receipt of the allowance in the past five years.

Provision was made for a number of significant improvements for carers in budget 2002, which are as follows: allowance rates increased by €10.23 for carers aged under 66 and €12.73 for carers aged over 66; carers' benefit rates also increased by €10.17 per week to €132.70; from April 2002, the weekly income disregards in the carer's allowance means test increased by €32.28 to €191 for a single person and by €64.57 to €382 for a couple; in addition, for the third successive year, provision was made for an increase in the respite care grant by €127 to €635 and to €1,270 for carers who are caring for more than one person. These increases ensure that a couple with two children, earning a joint income in the region of €22,617, qualify for the maximum rate of carer's allowance or they can earn up to €36,364 and still qualify for the minimum carer's allowance, plus the free schemes and respite care grant.

The question of further improvements or changes in the carer's allowance scheme will be considered in a budgetary context. My Department is involved in a study to examine the future financing of long-term care in Ireland, which explores strategic issues relating to the financing of long-term care, both in terms of cost and possible partnership approaches and the possible role of the PRSI system in this regard. I am pleased that this study, which was undertaken in consultation with the Department of Health and Children and the Department of Finance, is expected to be published before the end of the year.

The development of the range of supports for carers will continue to be a priority for this Government and, building on the foundations now in place, we will continue to develop the types of services across all Departments which recognise the value of the caring ethos and which provide real support and practical assistance to people who devote their time to improving the quality of life for others.