Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 June 2026
152. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Social Protection the legal and administrative basis for the requirement that recipients of carer’s allowance notify his Department of short absences from the State; if his Department has assessed the necessity and effectiveness of this requirement in the administration of the scheme; whether any review of the requirement is planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44251/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra153. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Social Protection if the requirement for recipients of carer’s allowance to notify his Department of short absences from the State applies to travel within the island of Ireland, including cross-Border journeys; whether the requirement has been applied in such circumstances; whether any review of the requirement is under consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44252/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 152 and 153 together.
Carer's allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that, as a result, they require that level of care. Full-time care and attention is set out in legislation as at least 35 hours per week over 5-7 days.
Social Welfare legislation puts an onus on the carer to notify my Department of any changes in their circumstances. This includes when the carer or the person being cared for leaves the State.
Payment of CA may be made in certain circumstances for periods during which a carer is temporarily outside of the State. CA may be paid for up to 3 weeks in a calendar year if the recipient is abroad on a respite or holiday break.
CA may also be paid where the carer accompanies the cared-for person abroad for approved medical treatment for a disability that commenced before they left the State. A maximum of 13 weeks can be paid in such circumstances.
These two exceptions are provided for in Article 217 (h)(i) and (ii) of Chapter 4 of Part 3 of the Social Welfare (Consolidated Claims, Payments and Control) Regulations 2007 (as amended).
Permission must be sought before the carer or cared for person leaves the State. The recipient must notify the Department before their departure. Failure to do so will result in the loss of entitlement.
In addition to assuring payment integrity, this process also helps to ensure that a recipient does not unintentionally accrue an overpayment.
Travel within the Common Travel Area, including to Northern Ireland, is not regarded as travel abroad and there is no requirement for CA recipients to notify the Department solely in respect of such travel to the north.
I hope this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
