I propose to take Questions Nos. 539 and 540 together.
The information requested in respect of carer's allowance applications is contained in the table:
Cost
Year
|
€000
|
Numbers in payment
|
2009
|
502,469
|
48,223
|
2010
|
501,789
|
50,577
|
2011
|
503,738 (prov outturn)
|
51,666
|
In 2011, there were almost 52,000 persons in receipt of carer's allowance from my Department. Approx. 22,000 of these were getting half-rate carers allowance in addition to another social welfare payment. However, all the recipients are providing full-time care as required.
In addition, there are circa 27 carers who provide full time care and attention during holiday periods. This may range from a week or two during Easter or Christmas or periods during the Summer holidays. There are circa 30 recipients who provide shared caring on an on-going basis. Under legislation the carer must provide this care for a complete week, i.e. Monday to Sunday. A carer may share the caring duties with another individual on a week on week off basis or a carer may provide care on alternate weeks with the care recipient attending a residential institution every other week.
Each carer will share the carer's allowance income support payment and the annual respite care grant.