Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 May 2012
209 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will explain the rationale behind limiting the amount of time a person in receipt of carer’s allowance can spend in employment, self-employment, education or training to 15 hours a week; if she will consider raising the hours to 17.5 hours; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22597/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer's allowance is a means tested income support payment for people who are providing full time care and attention to a person in need of such care. A person in receipt of carer's allowance can engage in employment, self-employment, training or education outside the home for up to 15 hours per week and still qualify for the payment. However, one of the main qualifying conditions for the payment of carer's allowance is that the person receiving care is medically assessed as needing care on a full-time basis. While carers may work or engage in training or education for up to fifteen hours per week, I have no plans for a further increase in the hours beyond this allowance. Any further expansion would necessarily dilute the very notion of ‘full time care and attention' and could directly impact on the person who needs that care.
