Paddy McHugh
Ceist:204 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if provision will be made in the budget allocation in 2004 for a number of items (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28807/03]
Written Answers. - Departmental Funding.
The carer's allowance is a social assistance payment. It provides income support to people who are providing elderly and incapacitated persons with full-time care and attention and whose incomes fall below a certain limit.
Provision has been made in successive budgets for substantial improvements to the scheme. For example, in April the weekly income disregards increased to €210 for a single carer and to €420 for a couple. The effect of the increase is that a couple with two children, earning a joint income of up to €24,150, can qualify for the maximum rate of carer's allowance. Carer's allowance recipients who care for more than one incapacitated person are entitled to an additional 50% of their rate of payment.
The annual respite care grant is payable to recipients of carer's allowance and carer's benefit. It was increased to €735 in 2003. People caring for more than one person receive a double respite care grant of €1,470.
Carer's allowance recipients also qualify for the free schemes. They are a major additional benefit and cover free travel and the household benefits package. The back to work allowance, back to education allowance and community employment schemes are available to carers when they cease caring. Any further changes to the carer's allowance is a matter for consideration in a budgetary context.