Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
770. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on the level of means testing her Department is caring out on a family carer (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12889/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer's allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.
The conditions attached to the payment of CA are consistent with the overall conditions that apply to social assistance payments generally. This system of social assistance supports provides payments based on an income need with the means test playing the critical role in determining whether or not an income need arises as a consequence of a particular contingency - be that illness, disability, unemployment or caring.
The means test ensures that support is provided to those most in need and plays a critical role in determining whether or not an income need arises as a consequence of caring. Carer's Allowance does not purport to be a payment for care, but is, like other income supports, a payment made in recognition of an income contingency.
This Department recognises the important role that family carers play in Irish society and is fully committed to supporting them through a range of payments and services. Means tests in this Department are kept under regular review and a number of significant changes have been made in recent years.
The means test for CA has been significantly eased over the years and is now one of the most generous means tests in the Social Welfare system. The current income disregard is €350 per week for a single person and €750 per week for a couple. From June 2024, the weekly income disregard will increase from €350 to €450 for a single person, and from €750 to €900 for carers with a spouse / partner.
Once claims are in payment, the Department periodically reviews them to ensure that there is continued entitlement. The reviews are carried out by Deciding Officers and decisions are made in a fair and impartial manner and in accordance with the legislative provisions for the relevant scheme.
My Department was unable to identify the person concerned from the details of the question raised by the Deputy. However, if you have any further query specific to that person, my officials would be happy to assist.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
