53. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Social Protection the arrangements and supports available to families caring for a person with a disability who will require lifelong care, in circumstances where the principal family carer dies, becomes seriously ill or is otherwise no longer capable of providing that care; the advance planning mechanisms that are available to such families; whether his Department works with other relevant Departments and agencies to ensure continuity of supports in such circumstances. [67261/26]

The primary role of the Department of Social Protection is to provide income supports where an income need may arise due to unemployment, illness, disability and caring responsibilities.

The main income supports to 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.

Where a carer who was in receipt of Carer's Allowance or Carer's Benefit dies, their surviving spouse, civil partner or cohabitant may be eligible to receive payment for a period of 6 weeks after the date of death.

My Department also provides a number of income supports for those unable to work due to illness or disability such as Disability Allowance, Blind Pension, Invalidity Pension and Partial Capacity Benefit.

The broader arrangements and supports that would be required in the circumstances outlined by the Deputy whereby family care is no longer available, which may include respite care or residential support are matters for my colleague the Minister for Health.