Carers set for Budget cash boost

CARERS looking after relatives in their own homes are set to get a €50 million Budget boost later this year.

Officials are believed to be costing a €30 a week increase in the allowance — matching last year’s rise.

Some 27,000 people qualify for the carers’ allowance, while a further 7,000 people receive the respite grant on its own. Social Affairs Minister Seamus Brennan said yesterday the two schemes were costing €267m a year.

He noted that the carers’ allowance was increased in the last Budget for all over age 66 by over 30 to 200, making it the single largest welfare entitlement in the State.

Ahead of the launch of a national carers’ strategy next year, the Department of Social Affairs is spending €200,000 this week in an advertising drive to increase awareness and uptake of the carers’ allowance and the €1,200 respite grant.

Launching the drive yesterday, Mr Brennan said: “Carers make a valued and valuable contribution to Irish society through their dedication and sacrifice.”

He wanted that work to be recognised and acknowledged through increased benefits and practical support measures. Saying he was committed to the cause of carers, Mr Brennan said he wanted to see an overall national carers’ strategy.