1992. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated projected cost of providing carer's allowance at a full rate to those caring for two or more people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56682/26]

The main income supports for 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 expected to amount to over €2.2 billion in 2026.

Income support payments made under the Irish social welfare system are underpinned by a general principle of one payment only being paid in respect of the same loss of ability to earn an income.  The Government recognises the important and valuable role of family carers and an exception is made in the case of carers.  If a carer is providing full-time care to more than one person, the rate payable is increased by 50% of the standard personal rate.

As part of Budget 2026, the personal rate of Carer's Allowance increased by €10 per week.  A person caring for more than one person and receiving the maximum rate now receives a personal rate of €405 per week if aged under 66 or €462 per week if aged 66 or over.

There are currently over 108,900 people in receipt of Carer’s Allowance and the cost of this scheme in 2026 is estimated at over €1.4 billion.

The estimated additional annual cost of providing a full-rate Carer’s Allowance in respect of each person being cared for is approximately €106 million.  It is important to note that this costing is an estimate based on administrative data.  It takes no account of year-on-year increases in terms of recipients or increases in rates of payment.

Any changes to the rates of payment under the Carer's Allowance will be considered in the context of budgetary considerations in respect of overall social welfare improvements.