Thomas Gould
Ceist:179. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to acknowledge the phenomenal work done by carers throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. [35260/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 1 July 2021
Ceisteanna (179)
Freagraí scríofa
The Government acknowledges the important role that family carers play and is fully committed to supporting carers in that role. This commitment is recognised in both the Programme for Government and the National Carers’ Strategy. The main income supports provided by my Department include Carer's Allowance, Carer's Benefit, Domiciliary Care Allowance, and the Carer's Support Grant. Over 135,000 carers benefit from regular income supports and spending on these payments in 2021 is expected to be in the region of €1.5 billion. The value of income transfers to family carers has increased by over 50% since 2015.In responding to the current COVID-19 crisis, the Department has made urgent special provisions for those, including carers, who may be most vulnerable and negatively affected at this time and who have lost their jobs and whose incomes have reduced as a result of the pandemic.To ensure that the most vulnerable groups are provided for, my Department introduced the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment. This temporary measure allow payments to be made with certain other social welfare payments including Carer’s Allowance or Carer’s Benefit. In effect, a carer whose work ceases as a result of COVID-19 and whose situation qualifies them for this payment will get it along with their current carer income support whether Carer’s Allowance or Carer’s Benefit.Despite the substantial extra financial demands due to the COVID-19 crisis, I announced that the Carer’s Support Grant would be increased by €150 to a rate of €1,850. This is the highest rate since its introduction. The annual grant is available to all carers providing full-time care to an older person or a person with a disability, regardless of their means or social insurance contributions. This award can be used for any purpose at the discretion of the carer and it is not taxed. Recipients of Carer's Allowance, Carer’s Benefit and Domiciliary Care Allowance receive the grant automatically. Other people who are not in receipt of a social welfare payment but who are providing full time care and attention to someone who requires that level of care are also eligible and can apply for a grant.On 3 June, some 129,000 grants were paid to 117,000 people. Some 12,000 carers who are providing care for two or more people received a grant in respect of each person they are caring for. The grant is paid in respect of each person being cared for to take account of the additional cost of providing care and to recognise the particular challenges faced by these carers. I can assure the Deputy that I am very aware of the key role carers play in society and the particular challenges they face in light of Covid-19 and I will continue to keep the range of supports available to carers under review. Any improvements or additions to these supports can only be considered in a budgetary context and in the light of available financial resources. I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.