Written Answers Nos. 628-647
628. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the types of businesses providing hot school meals and the flexibility that is allowed under the procurement guidelines; if local restaurants and supermarkets are providing hot school meals as well as larger national providers; if the preference is for locally sourced meals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71733/25]
View answerThe objective of the School Meals Programme is to provide regular, nutritious food to children to support them in taking full advantage of the education provided to them. The programme is an important component of policies to encourage school attendance and extra educational achievement.
My department provides the funding for the meals directly to the school. The Department of Education and Youth, through the School Procurement Unit, is the lead in relation to all procurement in schools. The primary relationship is between the school and supplier. It is the responsibility of each school board to select a supplier on the open market, in a fair and transparent manner in accordance with public procurement rules.
The programme is designed so that meals are provided by contracted food business operators, with the responsibility for food safety and compliance with relevant legislative obligations placed on these professional providers and not on the schools themselves. This ensures children benefit from a reliable, high-quality service, while schools are protected from having to take on responsibilities more appropriate to the providers, who will have the necessary expertise and experience in food provision.
When schools tender for a School Meals Supplier all registered Food Business Operators are eligible to submit a tender response. This includes local cafe, restaurants, meals on wheels services etc. There are over 300 suppliers in the Programme with the majority delivering to one and two schools. The successful tenderer must comply with Nutritional Standards for School Meals and Nutritional Standards for Hot School Meals.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
629. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if Meals on Wheels are being utilised to deliver hot school meals in rural communities that are not being catered for by larger providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71734/25]
View answerThe objective of the School Meals Programme is to provide regular, nutritious food to children to support them in taking full advantage of the education provided to them. The programme is an important component of policies to encourage school attendance and extra educational achievement.
My department provides the funding for the meals directly to the school. All schools are responsible for choosing their school meals supplier on the open market, in a fair and transparent manner in accordance with public procurement rules. These rules clearly define the successful tenderers responsibilities and obligations, including adherence to the nutritional standards.
The School Meals Programme is open to all registered Food Business Operators.
I can confirm Meals on Wheels is one of the food providers. There are currently eleven meals on wheels organisations supplying forty schools. My officials in this Department have been working with officials in the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and they have compiled a list of supports available to local community organisations who may wish to expand their operation into the school meals area. This information has been supplied to some rural schools and a range of other community organisations.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
630. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if he has received the report in relation to the nutritional standards for school meals; if this report has examined the menus being offered by suppliers; if it has identified significant variances in terms of meal quality between suppliers; when he intends to publish the report and its recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71735/25]
View answerThe Nutritional Standards for School Meals have been in place since its inception and were developed by a technical Nutrition Subgroups comprised of:
• Dieticians from the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute of Ireland,
• The HSE,
• Safefood, and
• The Food Safety Authority of Ireland.
These standards are available to all schools, organisations and suppliers and are publicly available on gov.ie.
Nutritional standards are a priority for me and I have directed that a review of the scheme’s nutritional standards be undertaken. This is being conducted by a dietician in coordination with the Interdepartmental Group on School Meals. Menus and supporting documentation from the nine large suppliers have been requested. This report is to be submitted to me by the end of the year and a decision on publication will be made once I have had a chance to consider it fully.
In the meantime, food that is high in saturated fat, sugar and salt, was removed from the school menu from September 2025. Up to now this food had been permitted, as an option, once a week at most and only when selected by the child's parents.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
631. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if all primary schools nationwide are now in receipt of hot school meals; the overall number of schools now receiving a hot school meal; the number of primary schools who are not yet receiving a hot school meal and the reasons for this; the total number of suppliers providing hot school meals nationwide; the total number of pupils benefiting from hot school meals; the total cost of the hot school meals programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71736/25]
View answerThe objective of the School Meals Programme is to provide regular, nutritious food to children to support them in taking full advantage of the education provided to them. The programme is an important component of policies to encourage school attendance and extra educational achievement.
As announced In Budget 2025, the Hot School Meals Scheme was extended to all remaining primary schools meaning that approximately 3,200 schools and 550,000 children are eligible for hot school meals in the 2025/2026 academic school year. All primary schools have access to the programme should they wish to avail or it. The current academic year only started a few months ago and applications continue to be received and processed.
At the end of the 2024/2025 academic year some 2230 schools were eligible for the Hot School Meals. 72 schools did not apply for either the hot or cold lunch option with some 595 schools who obtained eligibility in April 2025 currently going through procurement for the 2025-2026 academic year.
There are some 300 suppliers in the School Meals Programme with the majority of these supplying one to three local schools. There are eleven meals on wheels organisations supplying forty schools and there are nine large school meal providers.
The budget for the Schools Meals Programme for 2025 is €300 million.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
632. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps his Department is taking to address food waste under the hot school meals programme; his views on whether this is a widespread issue with the programme; the specific changes that have been introduced to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71737/25]
View answer633. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if recyclable packaging is being used in the provision of all hot school meals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71738/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 632 and 633 together.
The objective of the School Meals Programme is to provide regular, nutritious food to children to support them in taking full advantage of the education provided to them. The programme is an important component of policies to encourage school attendance and extra educational achievement.
Under the School Meals Programme, the primary relationship is between the school and supplier. My department provides the funding for the meals directly to the school and it is the responsibility of each school board to administer the Programme in their school including handling the procurement process.
The Schools Procurement Unit under the Department of Education and Youth, provides guidance to schools for all procurements including the School Meals Programme.
An independent evaluation to inform future policy decisions on the scheme was undertaken in 2022 and published on 30th March 2023. The report indicates strong support for extending the School Meals Programme and recommends universal provision by 2030.
The report sets out the positive impact the Programme is having in terms of children’s education and wellbeing.
Of the respondent parents surveyed 83.44% agreed that the programme was positive. Similarly, 83.12% wanted the School Meals Programme extended to all schools, with a further 81.9% supporting the universal provision of hot meals.
74% of Principals indicated that it improved physical health, 54% of Principals indicated that it approved attendance and 51% of Principals indicated that it improved performance.
There are not widespread issues within the Hot School Meals Programme but like all programmes continuous review is needed to improve processes and strengthen the programme. Nutritional standards are a priority for me and I have directed that a review of the scheme’s nutritional standards be undertaken. This is being conducted by a dietician in coordination with the Interdepartmental Group on School Meals. I have asked for a report on the nutritional standards to be submitted to me by the end of this year.
In the meantime, food that is high in saturated fat, sugar and salt, was removed from the school menu from September 2025. Up to now this food had been permitted, as an option, once a week at most and only when selected by the child's parents.
In terms of packaging and waste, under tender documentation, and as stipulated by the Schools Procurement’s Unit, the school meal supplier is responsible for operating policies which progressively address environmental considerations such as waste and packaging. Depending on the school size and school meal requirements, the school will decide on the method and logistics that best meets their needs in line with environmental standards.
In addition, under tender documentation requirements, the school is committed to the principles of environmental management in its activities, and it encourages the implementation of sustainability principles in its procurement practices. The supplier should make all reasonable efforts to minimise adverse environmental impact in the methods of services delivery and in materials used. My department does not collect collect data on food waste as the primary relationship is between school and supplier.
Under the Programme for Government, I will continue to expand and improve the Free Hot School Meals programme and ensure that suppliers adhere to robust guidelines on the nutritional value of meals, the dietary requirements of students, the reduction of food waste and the use of recyclable packaging.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
634. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people on a long-term unemployment payment who received a Christmas bonus payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71739/25]
View answerThe 2025 Christmas Bonus was paid commencing the week beginning the 1 December 2025.
Customers of Jobseeker's Allowance are eligible for fuel allowance provided they have been in receipt of payment for at least 12 months.
At week-ending 7th of December 2025, there were 74,924 recipients of Jobseeker’s Allowance who have been in receipt of the payment for a year or more, including casuals, and who received a Christmas bonus.
635. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people who have applied for and availed of pay related benefit, by county to date; the average payment rate under the scheme to dater; the average duration of claims to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71740/25]
View answerBy end November 2025, 79,779 PRB claims had been registered, of which 60,413 had been awarded at some point. 27,008 people were in receipt of payment at the end of November 2025. A breakdown by county of residence of those recipients is shown in the below table.
It will take some time, up to 12 months, for trends to emerge showing the impacts of the tapered payments which come into effect at 13 weekly intervals and to seasonal variations. Indications suggests that approximately 38% of claims that were in payment were subsequently closed within the first 12 weeks and 50% closed within 17 weeks. Of the claims awarded and paying at the end of November 2025, the average weekly rate for PRB of maximum entitlement of 26 weeks was €259, while this rate was €357 for PRB of maximum entitlement of 39 weeks.
|
County |
Number of recipients |
|
Carlow |
308 |
|
Cavan |
366 |
|
Clare |
638 |
|
Cork |
2,539 |
|
Donegal |
475 |
|
Dublin |
9,333 |
|
Galway |
1,341 |
|
Kerry |
602 |
|
Kildare |
1,512 |
|
Kilkenny |
451 |
|
Laois |
423 |
|
Leitrim |
128 |
|
Limerick |
991 |
|
Longford |
197 |
|
Louth |
829 |
|
Mayo |
525 |
|
Meath |
1,298 |
|
Monaghan |
254 |
|
Offaly |
393 |
|
Roscommon |
280 |
|
Sligo |
335 |
|
Tipperary |
703 |
|
Waterford |
641 |
|
Westmeath |
507 |
|
Wexford |
822 |
|
Wicklow |
988 |
|
County Unknown |
129 |
|
Total |
27,008 |
636. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress that has been made in relation to the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025 – 2030, which commits to establish a strategic focus network on the cost of disability; if this group has been established; the Departments and agencies involved; the number of meetings held to date; if people with disabilities and advocate groups will have input into this work; the timeline for completion of this work; when is a proposal expected to be brought to Government for consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71743/25]
View answerThe Government recognises the significant additional costs that disabled people can face in their daily lives and is committed improving outcomes for disabled people by introducing permanent measures.
That is why the Programme for Government includes a range of commitments to support disabled people. Our Programme for Government commitments will be advanced over the lifetime of the Government, having regard to the overall policy and budgetary context.
The Programme for Government commits to introducing a permanent Annual Cost of Disability Support Payment with a view to incrementally increasing this payment. In addition, under the recently published National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030 my Department will lead a Strategic Focus Network on the Cost of Disability.
My officials have held meetings with a number of organisations to discuss the possible structure and content of the Strategic Focus Network on the Cost of Disability. Most recently, my officials met with a number of organisations on 2nd December at my Department's Disability Consultative Forum, at which the Cost of Disability Strategic Focus Network was the main Agenda item. Officials from across government were also in attendance given that this is a whole of Government issue.
This work which will includes people and their advocates, will inform the approach to be taken in delivering on the Programme for Government commitment in relation to cost of disability. I have asked my officials to expedite this work with a view to bringing a proposal to Government in the first half of next year.
I trust this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.
637. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the monetary deduction an employee on the average industrial wage will see in their pay packet in January for their contribution to auto enrolment; if the value of the minimum wage increase for low paid workers will offset the contribution for auto enrolment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71744/25]
View answer638. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection if there will be a user friendly online system where employees can view their auto enrolment pot growing; if this will take account of investment performance or just the employer, employee and State contribution; his views on whether this will be an important tool so that employees can see and clearly understand the benefits of their contributions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71745/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 637 and 638 together.
The introduction of a pensions auto-enrolment system is a Programme for Government commitment, and one of my key priorities. The aim of introducing an Automatic Enrolment (AE) system is to address the pension coverage gap that exists in Ireland, and to help provide for better retirement incomes for workers. The new system will be called 'My Future Fund' and it will launch from the 1st January 2026.
According to the CSO's most recent earnings data, the average industrial wage on a monthly basis is €4,865. On the basis of an employee contribution rate of 1.5%, the amount to be deducted from an employee earning this wage will be €73 a month. This will be matched by the employer and topped up by the State at a rate of €1 for every €3 contributed by the participant. Therefore, the total amount that will be allocated to this employee's My Future Fund account will be €170.33 a month, which will then be invested in line with the provisions of the Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings Act 2024.
With regard to the National Minimum Wage, from 1 January 2026 the rate will increase by 65 cents to €14.15. For an individual working a 40 hour week, their annual earnings will increase by €1,365 to just over €29,500. Should this employee be eligible for My Future Fund, then their annual contribution at 1.5% of earnings would amount to €442.50, which represents just under one-third of the increase in their income arising from the change in the rate of the National Minimum Wage. Again it is important to note that the employee's contribution will be matched by the employer and topped up by the State, giving an annual total of €1,032.50 credited to the employee's My Future Fund account.
Finally, from the 1st of January 2026 an employee portal will be available on myfuturefund.ie which will allow employees to view the employee, employer and State contributions made to their account. Participants will also be provided with an overview as to the investment performance of their funds and the fees and charges applied to their funds. Additionally, the portal will also provide participants with the functionality to change their investment risk level, and to exercise their choice to opt-out or suspend their contributions. The portal will also serve a function in terms of demonstrating how their participation in My Future Fund is beneficial to their retirement savings goals. It is intended that this functionality will also be provided in a mobile phone app in the early part of 2026.
I hope this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
639. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people who have had the penalty rate of €90 imposed on their jobseeker’s payment for failure to engage with activation services since it was introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71746/25]
View answerEntitlement to a jobseeker payment is dependent on the recipient being available for, capable of and genuinely seeking work. This reflects the concept of ‘rights and responsibilities’ whereby people who are unemployed have the right to an income support from the State and a right to be supported in their efforts to secure employment, but also have a responsibility to seek employment and to engage with the employment services offered by the State.
Intreo Employment Services supports jobseekers to find work and there are a wide range of supports on offer in terms of further education, training, upskilling, work placements as well as programmes such as Community Employment and TUS.
Customers who do not engage with the Intreo Employment Service or who fail to participate in appropriate employment interventions can have their jobseeker’s payment reduced and subsequently be disqualified from their payment for up to 9 weeks. They may also have their entitlement to a jobseekers payment reviewed based on a failure to genuinely seek work.
Reduced rates were introduced as a means of encouraging jobseekers to engage proactively with Intreo Employment Services to assist them find a pathway to employment. A reduced rate is a final step in a process to encourage a jobseeker to avail of employment supports on offer and once a jobseeker resumes this engagement the reduced rate is lifted immediately. Whether a reduced rate applies, and the duration of its application is totally within the control of the claimant.
Since January and up to the end of November 2025, a total of 10,971 reduced rates were applied to jobseeker payments for failure to engage with activation measures. It is possible that a person may have multiple reduced rates applied throughout the course of the year and that some people may have a reduced rate amount other than €90 applied to their jobseeker’s payment such as €50 for those aged under 25 and in receipt of a reduced age-related Jobseekers Allowance. The reduced rate for customers in receipt of Jobseekers Pay Related Benefit is set at 20% of their weekly payment.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
640. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the total number of newborn grants provided, by county since the introduction of the grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71747/25]
View answerChild Benefit becomes payable in respect of newborn babies in the month after their birth, subject to the qualifying conditions.
As part of Budget 2025, a new-born baby grant of €280 was introduced. This is paid to families of babies born, or children with a date of placement, on or after 1 December 2024 in addition to their regular first month’s Child Benefit payment of €140.
The table below outlines a breakdown by county of the number of new-born baby grants paid or payable up to 9th December 2025.
|
County |
Customers |
Children |
|
Carlow |
603 |
614 |
|
Cavan |
776 |
788 |
|
Clare |
1009 |
1021 |
|
Cork |
5260 |
5352 |
|
Donegal |
1466 |
1485 |
|
Dublin |
12932 |
13127 |
|
Galway |
2563 |
2605 |
|
Kerry |
1244 |
1264 |
|
Kildare |
2675 |
2718 |
|
Kilkenny |
783 |
804 |
|
Laois |
905 |
919 |
|
Leitrim |
289 |
292 |
|
Limerick |
1960 |
1994 |
|
Longford |
433 |
442 |
|
Louth |
1478 |
1509 |
|
Mayo |
1191 |
1210 |
|
Meath |
2153 |
2190 |
|
Monaghan |
591 |
601 |
|
Offaly |
756 |
771 |
|
Roscommon |
551 |
564 |
|
Sligo |
530 |
538 |
|
Tipperary |
1519 |
1546 |
|
Waterford |
1150 |
1175 |
|
Westmeath |
1000 |
1021 |
|
Wexford |
1498 |
1519 |
|
Wicklow |
1545 |
1564 |
|
Total |
46860 |
47633 |
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
641. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people in receipt of a widows pension who are under age 66; the estimated cost of allowing persons in receipt of widow’s pensions to access illness benefit in the event that they get sick at work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71748/25]
View answerAs at end November 2025, there were 28,931 people aged under 66 years in receipt of Bereaved Partner’s Pension (Contributory).
As at end November 2025, there are a further 973 people in receipt of Bereaved Partner’s Pension (Non-Contributory).
Illness Benefit is the primary short-term income support provided by my Department to those who are unable to work due to illness of any type and who are covered by social insurance. Eligibility for Illness Benefit depends on the person’s PRSI record and class. People must have made the required number of contributions under PRSI classes A, E, H or P to qualify.
Bereaved Partner’s Pension (Contributory) is a weekly social insurance payment to those who have lost their spouse or civil partner and are covered by social insurance.
Bereaved Partner’s Pension (Non-Contributory) is a means-tested payment payable to a widow, widower or surviving civil partner who does not qualify for a contributory payment.
It is not currently possible for the Department to develop a costing in this regard as it does not have collated information on the contribution and employment status of these two separate groups, which would be crucial in estimating potential costs for these sub-populations to access Illness Benefit.
If a person is getting a reduced rate of Bereaved Partner’s Pension (Contributory), they may also get a reduced rate of Illness Benefit, so that the combined amount of both payments is not greater than the maximum rate of Illness Benefit to which they would otherwise be entitled.
With regard to additional supports, my Department also provides an additional needs payment under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme to help meet essential expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. This includes certain supplements to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from a person’s own resources and are deemed to be necessary.
My Department will continue to keep its range of supports under review to ensure that they meet their overall objectives. Any changes to the current system, including those referred to in the Deputy's question, would need to be considered in an overall policy and budgetary context.
642. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection when he plans to publish draft proposals for consultation on the new working age payment which will ensure that inconsistencies within the social welfare system which disincentivise work are removed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71749/25]
View answerOfficials in my Department are currently exploring a range of potential models for a new Working Age Payment and it is intended to publish a proposal for consultation in the coming months.
The Programme for Government commits that any new Working Age Payment will ensure that individuals will always see an increase in income when they work or take on additional hours. It will do this by addressing inconsistencies and anomalies in the current Jobseekers Allowance Scheme which may discourage people from taking up employment.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the deputy.
643. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people who have availed of parents benefit; the breakdown of the number of mothers and the number of fathers who have availed of parent’s benefit; his views on whether further steps can be taken to encourage greater uptake of parent’s benefit; the position in relation to pay related parents benefit in each of the years 2022 to 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71750/25]
View answerThe number of people who have availed of Parent’s Benefit in each of the years 2022, 2023, 2024 and as of October 2025 is set out in the table below:
|
Year |
Total Claims Awarded |
|
2022 |
75,603 |
|
2023 |
78,189 |
|
2024 |
90,660 |
|
October 2025 |
82,284 |
A detailed gender breakdown is not available for full-year figures. However, gender specific data is published on a quarterly basis. The most recent data for Q3 2025 indicates that 12,387 males and 18,210 females were in receipt of Parent’s Benefit. These figures are available in my Departments quarterly statistic reports which can be found on gov.ie .
Parent’s Leave and Benefit have increased from two weeks at the introduction of the scheme in 2019 to nine weeks since August 2024, while rates of payment have increased from €250 in 2022 to €299 from January 2026.
By providing both parents with nine weeks of non-transferrable paid leave, and thereby effectively ring-fencing leave for fathers, Parent’s Leave and Benefit are expected to encourage both parents to avail of their leave entitlement.
The Programme for Government commits to ‘Introduce Pay-Related Parents Benefit and explore other payments where a similar model could be applied.’ It is expected that by linking Parent’s Benefit rates to the parents’ actual earnings, fathers will be further encouraged to avail of their leave entitlement. Work is ongoing within my Department to examine potential models for a Pay-Related Parent’s Benefit.
644. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Social Protection if informal non-cohabitant financial assistance that does not constitute income for the recipient is assessed as part of the means test for the State pension (non-contributory); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71809/25]
View answerState Pension (Non-Contributory) is a means-tested payment for people aged 66 and over, habitually residing in the State, who do not qualify for a State Pension (Contributory), or who only qualify for a reduced rate contributory pension based on their social insurance record. For the purposes of the means-test, from application stage through the lifetime of a claim, an applicant must provide full and up to date details of any income(s), asset(s), savings and investment(s) held, including any changes that occur.
Social welfare legislation provides that means tests take account of the income and assets of the person (and their spouse or partner, if applicable) applying for the relevant scheme. The means assessment includes income from sources such as employment, self-employment, occupational pensions, maintenance payments and other sources. It also includes property owned, other than the family home, and capital such as savings, shares, and other investments. Income earned under the rent-a-room tax relief scheme is exempt from the means test.
An applicant can have savings or assets of up to €20,000 and earnings of up to €200 per week from paid employment and still qualify for a full State Pension (Non-Contributory). The first €30 per week of means does not affect the rate of the pension. After that first €30, the pension is reduced by €2.50 for every €2.50 of means. If a person’s assessed weekly means is over €292.51, they will not be eligible to receive a State Pension (Non-Contributory) Pension.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
645. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection when employees from a facility (details supplied) in County Kerry will receive redundancy payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71813/25]
View answerThe Redundancy Payments Act 1967, as amended, provides for the making of payments by employers to employees in respect of redundancy. It is an important safety net for workers.
If an employer is unable to pay due to financial difficulties or become insolvent, an application for payment from the Social Insurance Fund may be submitted by the employer or employer representative. The Redundancy Payments Scheme provides a safeguard for employee’s rights ensuring they receive their statutory redundancy entitlements due.
I can confirm that applications under the Redundancy Payment Scheme have been submitted to my Department in respect of these employees between 8 and 13 October 2025.
Officials have actively engaged with the employer representative and sought additional information from them throughout this period, to assist with establishing entitlements. Outstanding information was received by my Department on 10 December 2025.
All applications submitted have now been assigned to Deciding Officers to process. Processing will be completed without delay.
I trust this clarifies these matters for the Deputy.
646. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will investigate the criteria applied to applications for carer's benefit (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71817/25]
View answerThe main income supports to family carers provided by my Department are Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit, Domiciliary Care Allowance and the Carer’s Support Grant. Spending on these payments is estimated at over €2.2 billion in 2026.
Carer's Benefit is available to people who leave the workforce or reduce their working hours to care for a child or an adult in need of full-time care and attention. It is payable for a period of two years for each care recipient and may be claimed over separate periods up to a total of two years.
A person may qualify for Carer’s Benefit if they meet the PRSI and other conditions of the scheme and have been engaged in full-time employment for at least eight weeks in the previous 26 weeks.
Full-time employment in this context is defined as engaged insurable employment for at least 16 hours per week or 32 hours per fortnight. This condition does not need to be satisfied on a second or subsequent claim where a person was in receipt of Carer's Benefit within the previous 26 weeks.
The legislation governing Carer’s Benefit outlines the circumstances by which a carer on leave from employment may satisfy the conditions of engagement in full-time employment as an employed contributor. Specifically, the condition is deemed to have been satisfied where the person was on adoptive leave, health and safety leave, maternity leave, parental leave, parent’s leave or paternity leave, having been engaged in remunerative full-time employment as an employed contributor for 8 weeks, whether consecutive or not, within the relevant period. The person to whom the Deputy refers in the details provided was on sick leave prior to their application for Carer's Benefit and periods of sick leave are not covered by these provisions.
Where a full-time carer is not eligible for Carer’s Benefit, they may apply for the means-tested Carer’s Allowance. It should be noted that significant improvements have been made to the means test for Carer’s Allowance which will result in more carers qualifying for Carer’s Allowance. I would encourage anyone who is unsure if they meet the criteria to apply for these payments, including the person to whom the Deputy refers.
In July the weekly income disregards for Carer’s Allowance increased from €450 to €625 for a single person, and from €900 to €1,250 for carers with a spouse or partner. As part of Budget 2026 I announced that from next July, the weekly income disregards will be increased from €625 to €1,000 for a single person, and from €1,250 to €2,000 for carers with a spouse, partner or co-habitant.
These improvements mean that, for example, a carer in a two-adult household with an income of approximately €110,000 will still retain their full Carers payment and even with an income of €138,000 will retain a partial payment.
These are the largest ever increases in the Carer’s Allowance income disregard and will mean that even people with what are relatively high incomes will qualify for a carer’s payment for the first time.
In addition, the Carer's Support Grant is available to full-time family carers whether or not they are in receipt of another carer payment from my Department. It is neither means tested nor based on a person's social insurance contribution record. The grant is paid annually in June. It currently stands at €2,000 in respect of each care recipient.
I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
647. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person in receipt of illness benefit is allowed to withdraw savings from their business account to their personal account to pay for long-term illness without this having an impact on their of social welfare receipts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71822/25]
View answerIllness benefit is the primary short term income support provided by my Department to those who are unable to work due to illness of any type and who are covered by social insurance. Illness benefit is a contributory scheme and, therefore, eligibility is not determined on a means tested basis. Eligibility depends on the person’s PRSI record and class. The person must have made the required number of contributions under PRSI class A, E, H or P to qualify. The person must be certified as medically incapable of work by a GP.i
Social welfare legislation provides that a person in receipt of or entitled to illness benefit shall not engage in work. If the Deputy has a particular case in mind, the individual should provide the circumstances of such activity to the Department so that they receive the appropriate guidance on the matter.
Subject to the level of relevant PRSI contributions paid, illness benefit is only payable for a maximum period of two years. Where a person exhausts their entitlement to payment of illness benefit and is expected to remain unfit to attend work for a further period of at least 12 months, they have the option of making an application for invalidity pension, which is another social insurance scheme paid from the Social Insurance Fund. Eligibility is based on PRSI contributions and medical condition. To qualify, the person must have been incapable of work for at least 12 months and be likely to be incapable of work for at least another 12 months or they must be permanently incapable of work.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
