Brennan commits to carers’ strategy and increased benefits

CONSULTATIONS are to commence shortly on a national strategy that will fully address the provision of services, supports and entitlements for family carers, Social Affairs Minister Seamus Brennan announced yesterday.

The minister said he wanted to expand and increase benefits and supports for carers in future budgets and also through other initiatives that recognise the valuable contribution of carers in society.

In particular, he intended expanding the income limits for the carer’s allowance so that all those on average industrial incomes can qualify. He said he also wanted to increase the respite grant, from its current value of €1,200.