Written Answers Nos. 440-459
440. Deputy Ann Graves asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) has been penalised by the rules adopted; and if he will consider amending current legislation to ensure early retirees can also access the treatment benefit scheme. [52659/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTreatment Benefit is a social insurance scheme provided by the Department. Under this scheme, eligible contributors can access dental and optical services, and grants towards certain medical appliances (hearing aids, medical lenses or wigs). Contributions made under social insurance (PRSI) Classes A, E, P, H or S count towards eligibility for Treatment Benefit.
To qualify for most social insurance payments in Ireland, a person must satisfy two conditions, first have a certain number of PRSI contributions paid since they started work and secondly, they must have a certain number of PRSI contributions paid or credited in the relevant or governing contribution year. The Governing Contribution Year is the second last complete contribution year before the benefit year in which the claim is made. The reason for the requirement to have paid contributions in the manner set out in legislation is to demonstrate a person's recent attachment to the workforce.
The amount of social insurance contributions required for Treatment Benefit supports depends on the person's age, taking into account their opportunity to have accumulated contributions.
For example, a person aged 29 to 65 must have at least 260 paid contributions, and either have 39 paid or credited contributions in the governing contribution year or 26 paid contributions in each of the second and third last contribution year. If a person qualifies for Treatment benefit at age 60-65, they retain that entitlement for life.
According to our records, the person concerned paid class M contributions from 2023 to 2025 and does not qualify for Treatment Benefit as he has no paid or credited qualifying PRSI contributions in the relevant year(s) on which the claim is based.
Any changes to the current system would have to be considered in an overall policy and budgetary context, taking account of the prevailing economic circumstances, and the sustainability of the Social Insurance Fund.
441. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide an update on a disability allowance application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52678/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDisability Allowance is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged 16 or over and under the age of 66. This disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, a means test and the habitual residency condition.
I confirm that my Department received an application for DA from the person concerned on 01 April 2026. Based on the evidence supplied in support of this application, their application for DA was disallowed on the grounds that the weekly means of €796.58 exceeded the Statutory limit of €422.60. The means were derived from the person concerned Spouse’s Self Employment.
Social Welfare Legislation provides that the means test takes account of the income and assets of the person (and spouse/partner if applicable) applying to the relevant scheme. Income and assets include income from employment, self-employment, occupational pensions, maintenance payments as well as property owned (other than the family home) and capital such as savings, shares and other investments.
The person concerned was notified of the decision on 07 July 2026, and they were given the right to a review or an appeal.
Invalidity Pension (IP) is payable to an insured person who satisfies certain Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions and who is permanently incapable of work due to an illness or incapacity and for no other reason. Claimants must have at least 260 (5 years) paid PRSI contributions (class A, E, H or S) since entering social insurance and 48 contributions paid or credited in the last or second last complete contribution year before the relevant date of their Invalidity Pension claim.
Based on the contributions recorded for the individual there may be an entitlement to IP. Eligibility for IP can only be established on receipt of a completed application form and documentary evidence from the customer in relation to their medical condition.
I have asked my officials to send an IP application form to the person concerned for them to complete and return if they wish to apply for this payment. Alternatively, the person concerned can submit an application for IP on their MyWelfare account.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
442. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost in 2027 if the household benefits package increased to €50 per month. [52715/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Household Benefits Package comprises the electricity or gas allowance, and the free television licence. The Department of Social Protection will spend approximately €317 million this year on the Household Benefits Package.
Based on an average of 562,000 recipients of the Electricity/Gas allowance in 2027 the estimated cost of increasing the allowance to €50 a month in 2027 is as follows: -
|
Current Yearly Rate |
New Yearly Rate |
Estimated Number of Recipients |
Estimated Additional Yearly Cost |
|
€420 |
€600 |
562,000 |
€101.16 million |
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to examine key ancillary benefits such as the Fuel Allowance, Household Benefits Package and Living Alone Increase to support vulnerable groups. This is an ongoing activity as part of the Department's budget planning each year and I will continue, as part of the budget planning process, to consider if improvements can be made to ensure that these benefits continue to target vulnerable groups. Any future decisions including any decision to increase the Electricity/Gas element of the Household Benefits Package will, of course, have to take account of the availability of financial resources.
I trust this clarifies the position.
443. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps he recommends for a carer's allowance applicant who meets all eligibility criteria but currently works over the 18.5-hour weekly limit, where the applicant intends to reduce their employment hours immediately upon approval but faces financial hardship preventing them from doing so before a formal decision is made; if a provisional or conditional approval mechanism can be introduced to support individuals caught in this structural impasse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52736/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer’s Allowance is a means-tested payment for people who are caring for someone in need of support because of age, physical or learning disability or illness.
The main qualifying conditions for the Carer’s Allowance payment are that the applicant must be providing full-time care, satisfy a means test and not be working or in education/training for more than 18.5 hour per week. These conditions are set down in the legislation governing the payment.
The Carer's Allowance application form and associated Employer Declaration enables both the applicant and their employer to specify the effective date of the reduction in working hours, where an individual intends to reduce their working hours in order to satisfy the qualifying conditions for Carer’s Allowance. Form-CR1 and Form CA-ER1, are available to download on gov.ie. Applications may be submitted by post or via mywelfare.ie.
It should be noted that entitlement to Carer’s Allowance cannot be determined until the claimant’s reduction in working hours has taken effect. While a claim may be progressed and prepared for decision, an award can only be made once confirmation has been received that all eligibility conditions have been satisfied.
For anyone who needs immediate assistance, the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme is available through the Community Welfare service. Under the scheme, the Department may make Additional Needs Payments to help meet essential expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income or other personal and household resources. Any person who considers that they may have an entitlement to an Additional Needs Payment is encouraged to contact their local community welfare service. There is a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place, 0818-607080, which will direct callers to the appropriate office. In addition, applications for Additional Needs Payments can be made online via mywelfare.ie.
If the Deputy has a particular case, he can forward the details so that we can examine the case to see if there are appropriate supports that can be put in place in a timely manner.
444. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection if there is a specific policy within his Department that seeks to preclude those elected to local authorities from any boards that he may appoint; the rationale behind any such policy; the way in which it aligns with encouraging participation in local government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52862/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAppointments to State boards by my Department are made in accordance with Government guidance, including the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies and the Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards.
This code of practice and guidance for appointments to state boards apply across all Departments and are designed to ensure good governance, independence, and the avoidance of conflicts of interest.
Policy responsibility on governance to state boards comes under the remit of the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation and any legislation governing appointments to state boards is a matter for the Minister of that Department, in the first instance.
I trust this information is of assistance to the Deputy.
445. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection to commit to preparing legislation to not automatically exclude members of local authorities from consideration for appointment to State boards; and to set out the reasons such persons would be excluded. [52880/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAppointments to State boards by my Department are made in accordance with Government guidance, including the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies and the Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards.
This code of practice and guidance for appointments to state boards apply across all Departments and are designed to ensure good governance, independence, and the avoidance of conflicts of interest.
Policy responsibility on governance to state boards comes under the remit of the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation and any legislation governing appointments to state boards is a matter for the Minister of that Department, in the first instance.
I trust this information is of assistance to the Deputy.
446. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of jobseeker's benefit and jobseeker's allowance, respectively, in each of the past five years, in tabular form. [52905/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total number of recipients for Jobseeker's Allowance and Jobseeker's Benefit for the years 2021-2025 is shown in the table below.
|
- |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance |
108,414 |
126,616 |
119,356 |
107,693 |
107,131 |
|
Jobseeker’s Transitional Payment |
16,876 |
19,569 |
20,291 |
19,061 |
18,278 |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit |
35,908 |
40,932 |
38,787 |
41,032 |
17,247 |
|
of which: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit Payment for 65 Year Olds |
3,696 |
4,198 |
3,952 |
4,378 |
4,224 |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit (Self-Employed) |
417 |
787 |
581 |
664 |
638 |
|
Short-Time Work Support |
1,385 |
995 |
658 |
725 |
670 |
|
Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit |
|
|
|
|
31,920 |
447. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of new applications for jobseeker's benefit and jobseeker's allowance received in each of the past five years, in tabular form. [52906/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total number of claims registered for Jobseeker's Allowance and Jobseeker's Benefit for the years 2021-2025 is shown in the table below.
|
- |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance |
90,914 |
112,877 |
119,744 |
138,388 |
148,805 |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit |
115,885 |
132,762 |
151,508 |
162,309 |
117,818 |
|
Pay-Related Jobseeker's Benefit |
- |
- |
- |
- |
89,492 |
448. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons currently in receipt of jobseeker's payments who have been continuously in receipt of such payments for more than two years, more than four years, more than six years, more than eight years and more than ten years, in tabular form. [52907/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra449. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated annual Exchequer cost associated with persons who have been in receipt of jobseeker's payments for more than two years; more than four years; more than six years; more than eight years; and more than ten years, in the most recent year for which figures are available. [52908/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra451. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of non-Irish nationals currently in receipt of jobseeker's payments who have been continuously in receipt of such payments for more than two years; more than four years; more than six years; more than eight years; and more than ten years, in tabular form, where data is available by nationality. [52910/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 448, 449 and 451 together.
Jobseeker's Benefit and Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit are paid for a maximum of 9 months, so there are no recipients for these schemes with a duration longer than 9 months.
The total expenditure for Jobseeker's Allowance for 2025 was €1.75 billion. Expenditure is recorded at the scheme level, not the individual level, and it is not possible to accurately attribute expenditure to attribute expenditure to characteristics such as claim duration.
As of the 30 June 2026, the total number of recipients of Jobseeker's Allowance who have been in receipt of a Jobseeker's Allowance payment for more than a given duration is shown in the table below.
|
Claim Duration |
Recipients |
|
2 years or more |
38,893 |
|
4 years or more |
21,291 |
|
6 years or more |
13,915 |
|
8 years or more |
9,156 |
|
10 years or more |
6,329 |
As of the 30 June 2026, the number of non-Irish nationals who have been in receipt of a Jobseeker's Allowance payment for more than a given duration is shown in the table below.
|
Claim Duration |
Non-Irish national recipients |
|
2 years or more |
9,796 |
|
4 years or more |
3,819 |
|
6 years or more |
1,975 |
|
8 years or more |
1,205 |
|
10 years or more |
719 |
450. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the total expenditure incurred on jobseeker's benefit and jobseeker's allowance in each of the past five years, in tabular form. [52909/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total annual expenditure for Jobseeker's Allowance and Jobseeker's Benefit for the years 2021-2025 is shown in the table below.
The entry for Jobseeker's Allowance includes expenditure on Jobseeker's Transition Payment, and the entry on Jobseeker's Benefit includes expenditure on Jobseeker's Benefit (Self-Employed). Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit was introduced in 2025, with expenditure of €297m. Figures are rounded to the nearest million. A ten-year series of expenditure is published in the Annual Statistics Report, available through: gov.ie/dsp/statistics
|
- |
|
|
|
|
€million |
|
|
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance |
1,567 |
1,641 |
1,823 |
1,853 |
1,752 |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit |
336 |
486 |
448 |
515 |
413 |
|
Pay-Related Jobseeker's Benefit |
- |
- |
- |
- |
297 |
452. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated annual Exchequer cost of jobseeker's payments made to non-Irish nationals in each of the past five years, in tabular form. [52911/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraExpenditure is recorded at the scheme level, not the individual level, and it is not possible to accurately attribute expenditure to individual characteristics such as nationality.
Recipient figures by nationality are available. The number of non-Irish nationals in receipt of Jobseeker's payments for 2021 - 2025 is shown in the table below. All figures are as of the 31 December of each year. Note that Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit was introduced in April 2025 and replace Jobseeker's Benefit for fully unemployed customers.
|
Scheme |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance |
25,123 |
49,978 |
50,218 |
40,468 |
33,644 |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit |
6,728 |
7,785 |
7,574 |
8,259 |
2,775 |
|
Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit |
- |
- |
- |
- |
7,631 |
453. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of recipients of jobseeker's payments who are Irish citizens, EU citizens excluding Irish citizens and non-EU nationals; and the associated annual cost in each category, in the most recent year for which figures are available. [52912/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraNationality breakdowns are published on a quarterly and annual basis. The Quarterly Statistical Report is a count of unique persons who received at least one payment in the given quarter. The most recent report refers to Q1 2026; the Q2 report is scheduled for publication in August. The Annual Statistics Report is a count of all persons on 31st December with an Awarded and Paying claim on that date. The 2025 Annual Statistics Report was published in July, and nationality breakdowns are published in table B4. An archive of the Annual Reports is also available on gov.ie.
These statistics are all published through the statistics landing page, gov.ie/dsp/statistics. Expenditure is recorded at the scheme level, not the individual level, and it is not possible to accurately attribute expenditure to individual level characteristics such as nationality. Excerpts from the 2025 Annual Statistics Report are provided in the tables below.
Table B4 - Recipients by Broad Nationality Group
|
Scheme |
Irish nationals |
EU13 |
EU 15-27 |
United Kingdom |
Other nationals |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance |
73,487 |
1,545 |
9,051 |
3,768 |
19,280 |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance Transition |
11,638 |
262 |
2,395 |
446 |
3,537 |
|
Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit |
24,289 |
1,202 |
3,414 |
875 |
2,140 |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit |
14,472 |
341 |
1,300 |
585 |
549 |
|
Of which |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jobseeker's Benefit Self Employed |
514 |
19 |
56 |
29 |
20 |
|
Benefit Payment for 65 Year Olds |
3,945 |
35 |
61 |
154 |
29 |
|
Short Time Work Support |
525 |
14 |
75 |
29 |
27 |
Table D1 - Estimated Expenditure (€m)
|
Scheme |
Amount |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance* |
1,752 |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit^ |
402 |
|
Pay-Related Jobseeker's Benefit |
297 |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit Self Employed |
10 |
* Jobseeker's Allowance expenditure includes expenditure on Jobseeker's Allowance Transitional.
^ Jobseeker's Benefit include expenditure on Benefit Payment for 65 Year Olds and Short Time Work Support.
454. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection whether his Department has examined the introduction of a graduated or phased reduction in jobseeker's payments based on duration of claim; if so, the details of any such examination, including costings and impact assessments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52913/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra455. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection whether any proposals have been considered by his Department within the past five years to alter rates of jobseeker's payments based on the length of time a claimant has been in receipt of the payment; and if he will provide details of any such proposals, reviews or assessments. [52914/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 454 and 455 together.
In March 2025, my Department introduced the social insurance-based Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit scheme, which replaced the Jobseeker's Benefit scheme for people who became fully unemployed on or after 31 March 2025. This significant reform brings Ireland into line with many other European countries where pay-related benefits are the norm.
The scheme provides an individualised rate of payment for qualifying persons based on recent earnings and PRSI contributions. For people who qualify for higher rates of payment due to their PRSI contributions, payment rates are tapered at three-monthly intervals over the duration of a claim.
People with five years PRSI contributions receive 60% of previous earnings subject to a maximum of €450 for the first 13 weeks. After that, the rate reduces to 55% of earnings subject to a maximum of €375 for the following 13 weeks. A further 13 weeks is paid at the rate of 50% up to a maximum payment of €300. People with between two and five years paid contributions receive 50% of previous earnings subject to a maximum of €300 per week for up to 26 weeks.
There are currently no proposals to introduce a graduated or phased reduction in the rate of payment based on the duration of a person's claim for the other jobseeker's schemes.
Under the other social insurance schemes for jobseekers, namely Jobseeker's Benefit, which is available for atypical workers such as part-time, casual and seasonal workers, and Jobseeker's Benefit (Self-Employed), payment is made at a consistent flat rate throughout the duration of a claim, which is limited and based on previous contributions.
In line with other means-tested social assistance schemes, a person who qualifies for the Jobseeker's Allowance scheme may continue to receive payment for as long as they satisfy the relevant qualifying conditions and continue to meet the rules of the scheme.
I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
456. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons currently in receipt of jobseeker's payments who have received a jobseeker-related payment for ten years or more in aggregate whether continuously or intermittently; and the total annual cost of supporting these recipients. [52915/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOf those in receipt of a Jobseeker's payment, including Jobseeker's Allowance, Jobseeker's Benefit, or Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit, as of 30 June 2026, there were 32,861 recipients who had been in receipt of a Jobseeker's payment for 10 years or more in aggregate over their lifetime.
Expenditure is recorded at the scheme level, not the individual level, and it is not possible to accurately attribute expenditure to individual level characteristics such as claim durations.
457. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Social Protection if he is aware of the concerns of some members of an organisation (details supplied), who do not qualify for the State Pension (contributory); the impact this has on being excluded from social welfare schemes such as living alone allowance, over-80 allowance, Christmas bonus, dental and optical benefits, additional qualified adult allowance, household benefits package between ages 66 and 70 and treatment for the Universal Social Charge amongst other schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52958/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPrimary weekly social welfare payments are intended to enable recipients to meet their basic day-to-day income needs. In addition to these primary payments, my Department also provides a range of other payments on a weekly, monthly, or less frequent basis. These payments are considered secondary in nature with each of them having their own individual qualifying criteria.
The Living Alone Increase is one of those secondary payments. It is not a scheme or a stand-alone payment, but it is a supplement to a primary social protection payment of €22 per week made to people aged 66 years or over, who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments and who are living alone.
For those aged 66 or over, payments eligible for the Living Alone Increase include State Pension (Contributory), State Pension (Non-contributory), Bereaved Partner’s (Contributory) Pension, Bereaved Partner's Pension under the Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme, Incapacity Supplement under the Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme and Deserted Wife's Benefit. The Living Alone Increase is also paid to people aged under 66 who live alone and are in receipt of Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, Incapacity Supplement or Blind Pension.
Prior to 6 April 1995, civil and public servants did not have access to the full range of social insurance benefits as their terms of employment protected them against the main contingencies of illness and old age, and the risk of unemployment was not considered a factor due to the nature of their employment.
Consequently, such contributors pay less in social insurance contributions in return for fewer social insurance benefits. For example, class B contributors currently pay a contribution at the rate of 1.1% on their weekly earnings up to €1,443 and 4.2% on weekly earnings over that amount and their employers pay a contribution of 2.21% on all employee earnings. Class B contributors are currently entitled to Bereaved Partner’s (Contributory) Pension, Guardian's Payment (Contributory), (limited) Occupational Injuries Benefits, Parent's Benefit and Carer's Benefit. Class B, C and D contributions do not provide entitlement to the State Pension (Contributory), except in certain circumstances where, in conjunction with qualifying contributions, they can be used when calculating entitlement to a mixed-insurance pro-rata pension. A retired public or civil servant who is in receipt of an occupational pension and no primary payment from my Department does not qualify for the Living Alone Increase.
Contributions paid at Class B, C and D do not provide access to the Treatment Benefit scheme, which includes dental and optical benefits.
Civil and public servants recruited from 6 April 1995, and those employed in the private sector, pay a class A social insurance contribution of 4.2% on their weekly earnings. Their employers pay a contribution of 9.0% where employees’ weekly earnings are €552 or less and 11.25% where their employees’ weekly earnings exceed €552. Class A contributors have access to the full range of social insurance benefits, including State Pension (Contributory). However, the value of the State Pension (Contributory) is integrated with their public service pension (in the case of those recruited after 6 April 1995 and before 1 January 2013), unlike those pre-April 1995 civil and public servants who receive their full pension entitlement under their public service pension.
Retired public servants can still qualify for a Living Alone Increase if they are in receipt of a relevant payment. For example, Class B, C and D contributors can qualify for a Bereaved Partner’s (Contributory) Pension where they experience the loss of a spouse or partner. This is a qualifying payment for the Living Alone Increase.
The State Pension (Non-contributory) is available to those who satisfy the means-test and who are ordinarily resident in the State, regardless of their social insurance contribution history. The State Pension (Non-contributory) is a qualifying payment for the Living Alone Increase, regardless of the rate of payment.
There are no circumstances where the Living Alone Increase can be paid to people who are not in receipt of a primary qualifying payment from my Department or who do not meet the living alone eligibility criteria. Similarly, the over-80 allowance, bonus payments, and an increase for a qualified adult (IQA) are only payable in addition to a relevant primary payment. Any change to the qualifying criteria for these payments would have to be considered in an overall policy and budgetary context.
Access to other benefits available from my Department, that are not dependent on receipt of a primary payment, or are available subject to satisfying a means test or reaching a specified age, may be available to class B, C, or D contributors, provided the underlying conditionality is met. These include the Fuel Allowance, the Household Benefits Package and the Free Travel Scheme. All persons over the age of 70 can receive the Household Benefits Package, with one package provided per household. There is no requirement that a person must be in receipt of a pension from my Department. A former public servant can qualify for the Household Benefits Package when aged between 66 and 69 subject to certain qualifying conditions and satisfying a means test.
The Universal Social Charge is administered through the Revenue Commissioners and any questions in relation to how occupational pensions for retired public and civil servants are taxed should be directed to my colleague, the Minister for Finance.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
458. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Social Protection the exact number of recipients of carer's allowance who are currently in receipt of a reduced rate of payment rather than the maximum rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53113/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer's Allowance is a weekly social welfare payment to people who provide full time care and attention to another person due to their age, illness, or disability. The rate payable for Carer's Allowance depends on the age of the carer and the number of persons they are providing care for. From July 2nd 2026 the income disregard for Carer's Allowance was increased to €1,000 per week for a single person, and to €2,000 per week for a couple. There are currently 108,956 recipients of Carer's Allowance. In total, 38 people, or fewer than 0.04% of recipients, are now in receipt of Carer's Allowance at a rate other than the applicable maximum rate.
459. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection the total number of persons who paid category K PRSI in 2025; and the total sum of money collected in this category. [53231/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraA total of 78,648 were recorded as paying class K PRSI in 2024, the most recent year for which complete PRSI data is available. A breakdown of PRSI contributors is published annually by my Department, with the most recent report published on July 9th. The report is available through gov.ie/dsp/statistics.
The value of contributions to the SIF is published each year in the Social Insurance Fund financial statements, and refer to monies collected within the calendar year. The monetary value of PRSI returned to the Department is not available by PRSI class, but is broken into the broad categories of Employer Contributions, Employee Contributions, and Self-Employed Contributions. The latest accounts available are from 2024, and are available from the Oireachtas library.
|
PRSI Contributions |
2024 (€ in thousands) |
|
Employer |
11,733,400 |
|
Employee |
4,385,210 |
|
Self-Employed |
793,797 |
|
Total |
16,912,407 |
