Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2024
442. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Social Protection when maintenance payments to carers will be disregarded as means for social welfare payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10237/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government acknowledges the valuable 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 to carers provided by my department are Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit, Domiciliary Care Allowance and the Carer’s Support Grant. Spending on these payments is expected to amount to over €1.7 billion this year.
The two principal conditions for receipt of Carer’s Allowance are that full time care and attention is required and provided, and that a means test is satisfied. The application of the means-test not only ensures that the recipient has an income need but also that scarce resources are targeted to those with the greatest need.
Since my appointment as Minister, I have made a number of improvements to the means test for Carer's Allowance.
• In June 2022 the income disregards were increased from €332.50 to €350 for a single person, and from €665 to €750 for carers with a spouse/partner.
• As part of Budget 2024, the weekly income disregard will be further increased in June from €350 to €450 for a single person, and from €750 to €900 for carers with a spouse/partner.
• Increase in the capital and savings disregard for the Carer’s Allowance from €20,000 to €50,000.
There are a range of other supports for carers provided by my department which are not based on a means assessment. These include Carer's Benefit, Domiciliary Care Allowance and the Carer’s Support Grant which is a payment for all carers regardless of means or social insurance contributions. I increased the Carer's Support Grant as part of Budget 2021 to €1,850, its highest ever rate.
While maintenance payments are currently considered as income in the means test, the Deputy may be aware that the Report of the Child Maintenance Review Group was published in November 2022 and the Government accepted the Group's recommendations regarding the social welfare system.
These changes include decoupling child maintenance and social welfare and represent significant reforms, which will be of great benefit to many people including carers and lone parents. Amendments to both primary and secondary legislation as well as changes to some of the Department’s systems, application forms and processes are required.
Disregarding child maintenance payments in the means test for social welfare payments, including Carer’s Allowance, will mean that many people currently on a reduced rate of payment will see their payment increase and some additional carers will now qualify for a payment.
I was delighted to publish the necessary primary legislation before Christmas and I am very pleased at how quickly we have been able to bring the Bill through the Houses of the Oireachtas. Once the Bill is enacted I intend to commence its provisions in due course.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
