Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney has welcomed a newly published report from the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) on the potential removal of the means test for the Carer’s Allowance, describing it as an important step in recognising the contribution of family carers.
The analysis estimates that removing the test would add €259 million in costs for new recipients of the Carer’s Allowance. Related entitlements such as the Household Benefits Package, GP Visit Card, Free Travel and the Carer’s Support Grant would add a further €59 million. The gross total is put at €318 million, with a net fiscal impact of €266 million after tax revenue is taken into account.
Speaking after the report’s release, Deputy Cooney said, “Family carers are the backbone of the health and social care system and often provide support at great personal and financial sacrifice.”
Deputy Cooney, who has repeatedly pressed the Minister for Social Protection on the Government’s pledge to review and potentially abolish means testing across the welfare system, said that carers must not be left struggling financially because of the vital work they do.
He added that while the PBO has outlined budgetary challenges, the social and economic value of unpaid care must be weighed carefully.
“I am calling for cross party engagement on this important issue, which is about fairness, dignity and respect for our carers. I also expect this Government to live up to its commitment under the Programme for Government to phasing out the means test,” concluded Deputy Cooney.