Tipperary Independent TD Michael Lowry is calling on the Government to remove the means test for the Carers Allowance. The Thurles based TD raised the issue in the Dáil with the Taoiseach yesterday and highlighted that carers make huge sacrifices that benefit the person being cared for and the State.
The Taoiseach in responding highlighted that the income threshold for the carers Allowance has been increased with effect from June 2024. A couple will be able to have €900 per week income and have €50,000 in savings and qualify for the full Carer’s Allowance. An Interdepartmental Working Group is now tasked with looking at the area of Means Testing payments to Family Carers. The Taoiseach Simon Harris expects that this work will be concluded in time for any changes to be made in the next Budget in October.
Deputy Lowry informed the Dáil that the Regional Group of TDs has a Private Members Bill calling for an end to Means Testing for Family Carers which comes before the Dáil next week and sought cross party support for the Bill.
