390. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection If his Department has assessed the impact of the 18.5-hour weekly employment limit for carer's allowance recipients on their ability to satisfy financial requirements under other Government schemes, including family reunification arrangements administered by the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. [66480/26]

Carer’s Allowance is a means-tested payment for people who are providing full-time care and attention for someone who needs support because of age, disability or illness. The primary objective of the Carer’s Allowance payment is to provide an income support to carers whose earning capacity is substantially reduced as a result of their caring responsibilities.

Persons in receipt of Carer's Allowance can engage in employment, education or training for up to 18.5 hours per week, provided adequate care arrangements are in place. This is a statutory condition for the scheme which represents a reasonable balance between meeting the requirement for providing full-time care for the care recipient and supporting carers to engage in employment, education or training, while supporting a carer’s continued connection to the workforce and broader social inclusion.

My Department has not assessed the financial impact of Carer's Allowance and the family reunification requirements. Responsibility for the policy and administrative arrangements of the family reunification arrangements rests with my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.