Dáil Éireann - Volume 642 - 04 December, 2007

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Deputy Seymour Crawford Deputy Seymour Crawford

Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons who to date have applied for carers allowance as a second social welfare income based on the new regulations in place from 30 September 2007; if he is satisfied that enough effort has been made to make sure that all those entitled get their rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32298/07]

Deputy Martin Cullen Deputy Martin Cullen

  Deputy Martin Cullen: The Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2007 provided for new arrangements whereby people in receipt of certain social welfare payments, who are also providing full time care and attention, would, subject to meeting means criteria, be able to retain their main welfare payment and receive another payment.

The Department notified some 57,000 customers regarding the new improvements and their possible entitlement to half rate Carer’s Allowance. The breakdown of the customers notified is as follows:

In addition the Department ran a media advertising campaign on radio, television and newspapers to raise public awareness of half rate Carer’s Allowance. The media campaign commenced on 27th September and ran for 1 week.

In the last 10 weeks some 6,700 Carer’s Allowance applications have been received by the Department. I am satisfied that sufficient efforts have been made to publicise the new arrangements; however I am keeping the position under review.

Dáil Éireann 642 Written Answers. Social Welfare Benefits.

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