Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:1150. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will respond to a pre-budget submission from (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43544/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 8 September 2022
Ceisteanna (1150)
Freagraí scríofa
The role of my department is to provide income supports where there is an income need.
The main income supports to carers provided by my department include Carer's Allowance, Carer's Benefit, Domiciliary Care Allowance, and the Carer's Support Grant. Spending on these payments in 2022 is expected to exceed €1.5 billion.
In acknowledgement of the important role that family carers play in our society I introduced a number of measures since my appointment as Minister for Social Protection.
- As part of Budget 2021, I increased the Carer’s Support Grant by €150 to €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.
- As part of Budget 2022 I made the following changes to the Carer's Allowance means test which took effect in June:
- An increase in the Capital/Savings disregard for Carer’s Allowance from €20,000 to €50,000.
- An increase in the weekly income disregard for Carer’s Allowance from €332.50 to €350 a week for single carers and from €665 to €750 for carers with a spouse/partner. This was the first change to the means test in 14 years. Both of these measures will enable more family carers access the Carer's Allowance payment.
- Domiciliary Care Allowance to be paid for children who go into hospital for up to 6 months (formerly 3 months). Carer’s Allowance will also continue to be paid in respect of children who go into hospital for 6 months. This came into effect in January.
I am very familiar with the pre-budget submission from the organisation the Deputy refers to. My Department hosted the Annual Carers’ Forum on 31 May. In addition, my department recently hosted the Pre-Budget Forum on 27 July. I have heard firsthand the various issues raised in the submission.
Importantly, the issues experienced by family carers are wide ranging and broader than income supports. They include improving equity of access to supports for carers, respite, homecare hours and the role of disability services which impact on family carers. The Programme for Government contains a commitment to review and update the National Carers’ Strategy. This is being led by the Department of Health. It is in this context that the broader issues facing family carers will be addressed.
I can assure the Deputy that my commitment in relation to improving the various income supports to family carers and the people they care for has not been found wanting. However, the Deputy will understand that any commitments regarding the allocation of public expenditure are subject to the overall budgetary context and will be considered in that context over the coming weeks.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.