212 Mr. Moynihan asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he has completed the review of the regulations governing the eligibility of applicants for a carer's allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The review of the carer's allowance which I am undertaking involves a fundamental examination of the scheme in the context of overall provisions for Carers generally. This will not be completed for some time.

In the meantime I am examining the possibility of making certain changes in the means test for the Carers Allowance in the context of proposals for rationalising means tests generally within my Department.