Norma Foley
Kerry · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“Therefore, the means by which the motion proposes to address the challenges raised may not specifically align with the approach being taken, but I absolutely accept that the underlying goals are the same and I accept the Deputies' sincerity in seeking to achieve them.”
“I intend to bring forward specific proposals arising from this work towards the end of the year, depending on progress and the outcome of ongoing engagement with stakeholders.”
“Working with that office, the Department of Children, Disability and Equality is absolutely committed to seeking to expand and reform specialist disability services in order to maximise individuals’ independence and support them to live lives of their choosing in places of their choosing.”
“A number of new measures are in train to move towards planned provision of residential supports, including the provision of planned residential placements under a new initiative, as outlined in the HSE’s 2026 national service plan.”
“I absolutely accept they are fighting tirelessly to highlight the need for us to ensure their loved ones are cared for and provided with appropriate housing, as and when it is needed. For far too many families, placements are made at the last minute, causing distress to individuals and their families.”
“In line with commitments contained in the programme for Government and the national human rights strategy, the Department of Children, Disability and Equality is now developing a new vision and reform strategy for disability services.”
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“Therefore, these are not matters that have a bearing on the motion under discussion, which is simply to extend the scheme and nothing more. On the issue of means-testing for beneficiaries, it is important to note that the ARP is a goodwill payment to recognise the valued contribution of those who have opened their homes to those fleeing the war in Ukraine. The payment is to the host in recognition of his or her generosity and not to the beneficiary. The payment is not intended to substitute rent. It is not available where a rental agreement is in place. The legislation is clear in this regard. With regard to so-called top-ups, the ARP does not create any obligation for beneficiaries in the accommodation, such as payment of rent or provision of services.”
“I note the proposed amendments to limit the extension of the scheme to beneficiaries of temporary protection covered by the scheme who satisfy a means test. It was also proposed to restrict the scheme to applicants intending to host beneficiaries in their own residence, and who have not availed of the rent-a-room scheme in the previous 12 months, so as not to affect the private rental sector. It was proposed to extend the scheme to applicants not in receipt of additional or top-up payments for beneficiaries. I oppose that. It appears that the matters raised in the proposed amendments to the ARP scheme would require an amendment to the primary legislation that established the scheme, namely, the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022.”
“This scheme's extension will give clarity and assurances to those involved. I reiterate that failure to extend the scheme presents significant risks. Should the scheme fall, some 37,600 beneficiaries could potentially be displaced from their existing accommodation. If Senators vote down the scheme today, we are talking about 37,600 people who are currently beneficiaries who would be affected. That would be a regressive step for families who are integrating into communities and being given a sense of agency. Moreover, it would represent a significant cost to the State and have an adverse impact on the tourism sector. I acknowledge the concerns raised by Senators, especially regarding the possible displacement effect the scheme has on the private rental market, which we all know is under extreme pressure.”
“I should have taken the opportunity at the outset to congratulate all Senators on their election and to wish them well. I thank them all for their contributions and for taking the time to carefully consider the motion to extend the ARP scheme. As provided for under the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022, the draft order has been laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas. It cannot be made law, however, until a resolution approving the order has been passed by each House. Therefore, approval of the motion by Seanad Éireann is essential to ensure the scheme does not lapse and continues for a further year. The scheme is the sole issue for consideration today. I am keenly aware from correspondence I received of the need for certainty for hosts and beneficiaries, who fear they will face a cliff edge as regards supports.”
“Such reduction seeks to address concerns voiced in the Oireachtas and other fora on the possible displacement effect that ARP is having on the private rental market. It is also a means of winding down the scheme in an orderly and gradual way with due regard to all those involved. That matter will be taken forward by the Minister for Justice following the transfer of functions. The 2022 Act requires a draft order to be laid before and approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas. The motion was taken in Dáil Éireann yesterday. Approval of the motion in Seanad Éireann is essential to ensure the continuation of the scheme beyond March 2025. The scheme has been an effective instrument of public policy that we cannot afford to abruptly lose. Approval of this motion will provide certainty to all involved in hosting arrangements.”
“I confirm to the Seanad that I have undertaken those consultations and both Ministers support the extension of the scheme In wishing to extend the scheme, I was mindful of the need to continue to make provision for a financial contribution to assist in maintaining the availability of accommodation for beneficiaries of temporary protection. I note the amendments that have been tabled concerning the monthly rate of payment. I want to be abundantly clear that the motion relates only to extension of the scheme for a further year and nothing else. There is no other consideration. I advise Members that it is intended in due course to reduce the monthly ARP from €800 to €600 from June 2025, with the first reduced amount payable in July. That decision has been made following consultation with, and agreement by, the relevant Ministers.”
“The directive had subsequently been extended a number of times and each time the ARP has been extended to mirror those extensions. In a continued spirit of unity and support for the Ukrainian Government and its citizens, the European Commission has extended temporary protection until March 2026. It is therefore appropriate to make an order to extend the ARP scheme to the end of March 2026. Section 4(2) of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 enables me to make such a change to a date considered appropriate following consultation with the Ministers for Social Protection, and Public Expenditure, National Development Plan, Delivery and Reform.”
“It offers respect, compassion and a sense of belonging in community. I wish to take this opportunity to acknowledge the huge wave of solidarity throughout the country in response to the war in Ukraine in meeting accommodation of Ukrainians, whether in commercial or hosted settings. In addition, I acknowledge the great work of local communities and how they have actively supported families in integrating through access to employment and indeed spectacularly through education. With regard to today's proposals, Part 2 of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 introduced the scheme with the termination date of 31 March 2023. That date reflected the duration of temporary protection under the 2001 Council directive.”
“Should the scheme's extension be approved by the Oireachtas, further consideration will be given to operational improvements to the scheme. The future of the scheme will also need to be reviewed in the wider context of considering what comes after the temporary protection directive. While the scheme is not without issues, to not extend it would risk placing significant pressures on an already strained private rental market. The potential loss of hosted accommodation risks displacing some 37,000 beneficiaries, many of whom would be forced to compete in the private rental market. Humanitarian hosting facilitated by the ARP scheme represents a sustainable, community-driven response that is built on the principle of dignity. It goes beyond simply providing shelter and basic needs.”
“Therefore, clearly, rather than interfering with the rental market, the scheme has been responsible for introducing a stream of accommodation that would not otherwise have been available, a view expressed by a number of support organisations in submissions to the Department regarding the extension of the scheme. That being said, I am cognisant of Senators' concerns and have recently met with Government colleagues to consider this scheme. Some of my current functions will shortly transfer to the Minister for Justice. I know he will continue to work as part of the whole-of-government response to the Ukraine war, with a focus on providing access to emergency temporary accommodation to those fleeing the Ukraine conflict who request it, in line with Government policy. The ARP scheme will be included in the transfer of functions.”
“As a result, the number of beneficiaries in hosted accommodation now exceeds those in contracted accommodation. I acknowledge the concerns expressed on the potential impact of the scheme on the private rental market. I accept that it is likely, particularly in some rural areas, that €800 a month tax free may have been more beneficial to an owner than making the property available on the rental market. However, as those who attended the recent Irish Red Cross briefing in Leinster House will be aware, its survey found that the vast majority of hosts - 91% - are not landlords. They have never been registered with the Residential Tenancies Board and they do not wish to become landlords. For many, their primary motivation has been solidarity with Ukraine, which is a very important consideration.”
“It has been pivotal in diverting Ukrainian individuals and families away from State-contracted accommodation, which is often in hotels and guest houses. The scheme is also far more cost-effective for the Exchequer. The average cost of the accommodation recognition payment per person per night is €13, compared with an average of €45 per night in commercial self-catering accommodation. The scheme has allowed the Department to move away from a total reliance on tourism and hospitality settings and has enabled the Department consolidate contracted accommodation portfolios. As the numbers in hosted accommodation have increased, the numbers in State-contracted accommodation have fallen from a high of more than 58,600 at the end of 2023 to just over 25,800 at present.”
“Some 37,600 Ukrainians are currently in more than 20,000 properties under the scheme. There has been consistent growth in the scheme over time. That growth continues, even though the future of the scheme has been uncertain. The scheme is due to end on 31 March 2025 but may be extended by ministerial order, subject to Oireachtas approval. As the temporary protection directive has been to extended March 2026, I propose to make an order to extend the scheme to mirror that extension and provide certainty to those living in hosted arrangements. This scheme is not only a means of recognising the part played by hosts. It has been instrumental in supporting Ukrainians to integrate within local communities nationwide.”
“I acknowledge the generosity of people who have pledged accommodation and who have opened their homes and hearts to displaced people from Ukraine. I also acknowledge the great work of the Irish Red Cross and its partners in matching beneficiaries to pledgers and in supporting them. A 2024 report by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies on private hosting arrangements for displaced Ukrainians in a number of European countries acknowledged the role of financial support packages like the ARP in enabling the hosting period to extend. It should be noted that the ARP scheme does not apply where there is a rental agreement in place and that it is not intended to substitute rent. To date, almost €272 million has been paid to almost 23,000 applicants hosting more than 52,200 beneficiaries.”
“The rate, originally set at €400, was doubled to €800 from 1 December 2022 following a Government decision. This coincided with the offer a home scheme, launched by the Minister for housing and run by local authorities in conjunction with the Local Government Management Agency. That scheme has been invaluable in making mainly holiday homes available for beneficiaries of temporary protection. To date, there have been almost 3,400 properties allocated under the offer a home scheme to accommodate more than 10,340 beneficiaries. The ARP monthly rate is not linked to the costs incurred by the person providing accommodation. It is merely intended to recognise the valuable contribution of those who host beneficiaries.”
“I thank the Members of Seanad Éireann for making time today to discuss this motion concerning the order I propose to make to extend the termination date of the financial contribution scheme for hosts of temporary protection beneficiaries from Ukraine, known as the accommodation recognition payment, ARP, scheme. The extension of the scheme is only item for consideration today. The scheme was introduced in July of 2022 in response to the outpouring of support from the Irish public, who opened their homes to provide shelter to Ukrainians seeking protection in Ireland. It involves a tax-free monthly payment of €800 per property used to accommodate beneficiaries of temporary protection, irrespective of whether the property is vacant or shared with the host.”
“I confirm that I am not in a position to accept the amendment to the motion proposed today. The draft order being considered cannot be made law until a resolution approving the order has been passed by each House. Therefore, approval of the motion by the Dáil today is essential to ensure the continuation of the scheme for a further year, no more, no less.”
“I hope Members will support the motion, which is simply to extend the scheme. Should the scheme be extended, its operation will be the subject of planning across the relevant Departments and, as I said, the future of the scheme will need to be reflected in the wider context of considering what comes after the temporary protection directive. On another note, the draft order on the reduced payment will shortly be brought before the Oireachtas by my colleague, the Minister for Justice, following the transfer of functions. The issue of reduced payment and otherwise will be a matter for the Minister for Justice in due course. It is not on the agenda today and is not part of the motion. The purpose of today is simply to extend the scheme, no more and no less. Members should be advised of that when they consider how they will vote.”
“Deputy Carthy's amendment to limit the scheme to those hosting in their primary residence would result in reduced availability of accommodation for beneficiaries in need of shelter. It would preclude unoccupied homes offered through the "Offer a Home" scheme, such as holiday homes, which have been a valuable source of accommodation. It is clear that the scheme has been responsible for introducing an accommodation stream that would not have been otherwise available, and which has been a vital element of the State's response to the Ukraine crisis in providing shelter to families who have lost their homes. The accommodation recognition payment is acknowledged to be an effective instrument of public policy which we cannot afford to lose at this point. It is in our collective interest to ensure the scheme does not fail.”
“The matters raised in the proposed amendments to the ARP scheme would require an amendment to the primary legislation that established the scheme, the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022. They are therefore not matters that have a bearing on the motion under discussion, which is simply to extend the scheme - nothing more and nothing less. On the issue of means testing for beneficiaries, it is important to note that the ARP is a goodwill payment to recognise the valued contribution of those who have opened their homes to those fleeing the war in Ukraine. With regard to so-called top-ups, the ARP does not create any obligation on beneficiaries in the accommodation, such as payment of rent or provision of services. However, a beneficiary may agree with a host to contribute towards certain household costs such as utilities.”
“Moreover, it would represent a significant cost to the State and have an adverse impact on the tourism sector. I acknowledge the concerns raised by Deputies today, in particular the possible displacement effect the scheme has on the private rental market. I note Deputy Carthy's proposed amendment to limit the extension of the scheme to beneficiaries of temporary protection covered by the scheme who satisfy a means test. It is also proposed to restrict the scheme to applicants intending to host beneficiaries in their own residence, and who have not availed of the rent-a-room scheme in the previous 12 months, so as not to affect the private rental sector. Finally, it is proposed to extend the scheme to applicants not in receipt of any additional or top-up payments from a beneficiary. I oppose the amendment to the motion.”
“I advise Deputies that if they vote against the motion, they are voting against the opportunity to extend the scheme until March 2026. That is the sole provision in the motion today. I am keenly aware from correspondence I have received of the need for certainty for hosts and for beneficiaries who fear that they will face a cliff edge in terms of supports. This scheme's extension will give clarity and assurance to those involved. I reiterate that failure to extend the scheme presents significant risks. Should the scheme fall, some 37,600 beneficiaries could potentially be displaced into an already pressurised rental market or face a return to State-contracted accommodation. The latter would be a regressive step for families who are integrating in communities and being given a sense of agency.”
“I appreciate the contributions of all Deputies. I thank them for taking the time to carefully consider this motion to extend the ARP scheme. It would be remiss of me, however, if I did not mention in particular the former Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, and acknowledge his sterling work in this area and in the provision of care for Ukrainians. I wish to put that on the record. As provided for under the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022, the draft order laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas cannot be made law until a resolution approving the order has been passed by each House. Therefore, approval of the motion in Dáil Éireann today is essential to ensure that the scheme does not lapse and that it continues for a further year. That is the sole issue for consideration today: to extend the scheme until 2026.”
“It is also a means of winding down the scheme in an orderly and gradual way with due regard for all those involved. That matter will be taken forward by the Minister for Justice, following the transfer of functions. The Act of 2022 required a draft order to be laid before and approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas. Approval of today's motion in Dáil Éireann is essential to ensure the continuation of the scheme beyond March 2025. The motion will also be taken to the Seanad tomorrow. The accommodation recognition payment scheme has been an effective instrument of public policy which we cannot afford to abruptly lose. Approval of this motion today will provide certainty to all involved in hosting arrangements.”
“In wishing to extend the scheme, I was also mindful of the need to continue making provision for a financial contribution to assist in maintaining the availability of accommodation for beneficiaries of temporary protection. I want to be clear, however, that the order I propose today is only to extend the scheme as it is for a further year. It is only to extend the scheme and nothing else. I advise Members of this House that it is intended to reduce the monthly ARP from €800 to €600 from June 2025 with the first reduced amount payable in July. That decision has been made following consultation with, and agreement by, the relevant Ministers. Such a reduction seeks to address concerns voiced in the Oireachtas and in other forums on the possibility of a displacement effect ARP is having on the private rental market.”
“In a continued spirit of unity and support for the Ukrainian Government and its citizens, the European Commission has extended temporary protection until March 2026. I believe it is therefore appropriate to make an order to extend the accommodation recognition payment scheme termination date to the end of March 2026. Section 42 of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 enables me to make such a change to a date considered appropriate following consultation with the Minister for Social Protection and the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform. I confirm to Dáil Éireann that I have undertaken those consultations and that both Ministers support the scheme extension.”
“I take this opportunity to acknowledge the huge wave of solidarity across the country in response to the war in Ukraine, and indeed in meeting accommodation needs of Ukrainians whether in commercial or hosted settings. In addition, local communities have actively supported families in integrating through access to employment and education. With specific regard to today's proposal, Part 2 of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 introduced the scheme with a termination date of 31 March 2023. That date reflected the duration of temporary protection under the 2001 Council directive. The directive has subsequently been extended a number of times, and each time the accommodation recognition payment has been extended to mirror these extensions.”
“Should the scheme's extension be approved by the Oireachtas, further consideration will be given on operational improvements to the scheme. The future of the scheme will also need to be reviewed in the wider context of considering what comes after the temporary protection directive. While the scheme is not without issues, to not extend it would risk placing significant pressures on an already strained private rental market. The potential loss of hosted accommodation risks displacing some 37,000 beneficiaries, many of whom would be forced to compete in the private rental market. Humanitarian hosting, facilitated by the ARP scheme, represents a sustainable community driven response that is built on the principle of dignity. It goes beyond simply providing shelter and basic needs. It offers respect, compassion and a sense of belonging.”
“Rather than interfering with the rental market, the scheme has been responsible for introducing a stream of accommodation that would not otherwise have been available, a view expressed by a number of support organisations in recent submissions seeking an extension to the scheme. That being said, I am cognisant of Deputies' concerns and have recently met with Government colleagues to consider this scheme. Some of my current functions will shortly transfer to the Minister for Justice. I know he will continue to work as part of the whole-of-government response to the Ukraine war, with a focus on providing access to emergency temporary accommodation to those fleeing the Ukraine conflict who request it, in line with Government policy. The ARP scheme will be included in the transfer of functions.”
“As a result, the number of beneficiaries in hosted accommodation now exceeds those in contracted accommodation. I sincerely acknowledge the concerns expressed on the potential impact of the scheme on the private rental market. I accept that it is likely, particularly in some rural areas, that €800 per month tax free may have been more beneficial to an owner than to make the property available on the rental market. However, as those who attended the recent Irish Red Cross briefing in Leinster House will be aware, its survey found that the vast majority of hosts - 91% - are not landlords. They have never been registered with the RTB and they do not wish to become landlords. For many, their primary motivation has been solidarity with Ukraine.”
“It has been pivotal in diverting Ukrainian individuals and families away from State-contracted accommodation, which is often in hotels and guesthouses. The scheme is also far more cost-effective for the Exchequer. The average cost of the accommodation recognition payment per person per night is €13, compared with an average of €45 in commercial self-catering accommodation. The scheme has allowed the Department to move away from a total reliance on tourism and hospitality settings and has enabled us to consolidate our contracted accommodation portfolio. As numbers in hosted accommodation have increased, the numbers in State accommodation have contracted or fallen from a high of more than 58,600 at the end of 2023, to just over 25,800 at present.”
“To date, almost €272 million has been paid to almost 23,000 applicants hosting over 52,000 beneficiaries. Some 37,600 Ukrainians are currently in over 20,000 properties under the scheme. There has been consistent growth in the scheme over time and that growth continues even though the future of the scheme has been uncertain. The scheme is due to end on 31 March 2025 but may be extended by ministerial order subject to Oireachtas approval. As the temporary protection directive has been to extended March 2026, I propose to make an order to extend the scheme to mirror that extension and provide certainty to those living in hosted arrangements. This scheme is not only a means of recognising the part played by hosts. It has been instrumental in supporting Ukrainians to integrate within local communities nationwide.”
“It is intended, rather, to recognise the valuable contribution of those who host beneficiaries. I acknowledge the absolute generosity of people who have pledged accommodation and who have opened their homes and hearts to displaced people from Ukraine. I also acknowledge the great work of the Irish Red Cross and its partners in matching beneficiaries to pledgers and in supporting them. A 2024 report by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies on private hosting arrangements for displaced Ukrainians in a number of European countries acknowledged the role of financial support packages, such as the ARP, in enabling the hosting period to extend. It should be noted that the ARP scheme does not apply where there is a rental agreement in place and it is not intended to substitute rent.”
“It involves a tax-free monthly payment of €800 per property used to accommodate beneficiaries of temporary protection, irrespective of whether the property is vacant or shared with the host. The rate, originally set at €400, was doubled to €800 from 1 December 2022, following a Government decision. This coincided with the offer a home scheme launched by the Minister for Housing and run by local authorities in conjunction with the Local Government Management Agency. That scheme has been invaluable in making homes, mainly holiday homes, available for beneficiaries of temporary protection. To date, there have been almost 3,400 properties allocated under the offer a home scheme to accommodate more than 10,340 beneficiaries. The ARP monthly rate is not linked to the costs incurred by the person providing accommodation.”
“I move: That Dáil Éireann approves the following Order in draft: Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 (Section 4(2)) (Scheme Termination Date) Order 2025, a copy of which was laid in draft form before Dáil Éireann on the 6th March, 2025. I thank the Members of Dáil Éireann for making time today to discuss this motion concerning the order I propose to make to extend the termination date of the financial contributions scheme for hosts of temporary protection beneficiaries from Ukraine known as the accommodation recognition payment, ARP, scheme. The extension of the scheme is the only item for consideration today. The scheme was introduced in July 2022 in response to the outpouring of support from the Irish public, who opened their homes to provide shelter to Ukrainians seeking protection in Ireland.”
“I extended this pilot project last year to 61 urban DEIS primary schools in Tallaght, Clondalkin, Finglas, Ballymun and Darndale. This counselling pilot allows experienced counsellors to work in the schools for the duration of the pilot with blocks of up to six counselling sessions for a small number of children in the school. Schools have the freedom to recommend the children who need this counselling and, in many cases, it may be children who have experienced trauma or a recent bereavement, but I believe the counselling may also be an important support for some young carers. It is important to point out that in relation to my own Department specialist disability services are aimed, in the first instance, at providing the right services and supports to enable people with special service needs live as independently as possible.”
“We all know that caring for family members can impose pressures on young carers. As I said, they have duties and decisions to make that would normally be the preserve of an adult. It can be even harder for them when they are unable to spend as much time as they would like with friends who may not have the same caring responsibilities, or when they have to sacrifice some of their own interests and hobbies. The well-being of all in the school community, including young carers, is a priority for my colleague, the Minister, Deputy McEntee, and the Department of Education. During my time as Minister for Education I introduced a landmark programme of counselling supports in all primary schools in counties Cavan, Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Mayo, Monaghan and Tipperary.”
“GP visit cards are another important support for carers, and since September 2018 individuals in receipt of either a full or half-rate carer's allowance or carer's benefit are automatically eligible for a GP visit card. The Department of Health also administers the national carers strategy. A review carried out by Care Alliance Ireland and University College Cork in 2021 of the national carers strategy found that more than 90% of carers feel the actions in the strategy were still relevant and wanted them retained. Before deciding on any future work to update the national carers strategy, consideration has been given by the Department of Health regarding the approach and the breadth of stakeholder consultation. The body of this motion concerns young carers, and I will be cognisant of that.”
“We know from research that caring is physically and emotionally demanding and we also know that from our own engagement with carers. Young carers can put so much into it that they pay less attention, as we are aware and as was outlined, to their own physical and mental health needs. Family carers in Ireland continue to report having poorer health, less support and feeling more worried about their future than those without the same responsibilities. In recognition of the need to address this, a pilot of a family carer needs assessment tool has been carried out in HSE community healthcare west with a view to establishing a standardised mechanism for assessing carers needs and to improve access to supports.”
“Annual funding of €2.6 million is currently provided towards delivering this. The bulk of the funding, €2.44 million, is being provided to Family Carers Ireland to deliver a mix of community and individual supports across five areas of activity, including education and training, community carer support, intensive emergency supports, a freephone care line and psychological supports. The remaining €160,000 supports the development and delivery of online supports for more than 8,000 family carers through Care Alliance Ireland by means of an online support group. Increase funding for the carers guarantee will also support the programme for Government commitment to increase support for carers by providing new training opportunities to support them in their caring role.”
“Funding of €1.2 million has been allocated for this singular purpose. I know from my own conversations with advocacy groups that the means test for the carer's allowance is something they would like to see removed. I was part of the team which negotiated the programme for Government and I am satisfied that it sets out a timeline which commits to significantly further increasing the income disregards for a carer's allowance in each budget, with a view to gradually phasing out the means test during the lifetime of the Government. As part of budget 2025, the weekly income disregard will increase in July from €450 to €625 for a single person and from €900 to €1,250 for carers with a spouse or partner. The carers guarantee is the promise to have a core basket of services for carers across the country, regardless of where they live.”
“As part of budget 2025, carer's benefit will be extended to the self-employed for the first time and the earnings limit will be increased from €450 to €625 after tax. As part of budget 2025 and from January, there was a 12% increase in the weekly rates of carer's benefit and carer's allowance. This is the fourth successive rise in weekly welfare rates under this Government. Rates have increased by €41 over the past four years. The Dormant Accounts Fund has been successful in directing funding towards valuable social purposes and I am pleased that through the Dormant Accounts Fund Action Plan 2024, the Department of Social Protection introduced a measure to support family carers, including young carers, to access employment, training and education supports to improve their current and future employment outcomes.”
“It found that 93% of carers in their study were stressed to some degree and 52% of carers felt so exhausted that they could not carry out their normal day-to-day activities. Almost half of carers in the study experienced problems with sleep within the past three days. No Government support on its own can address all of these challenges but it is important to have financial support in place for carers, including young carers. A support that is available to carers at the age of 18 and over is a carer's benefit payment. Carer's benefit is a non-means tested payment made to ensure a payment for people who may be required to leave the workforce or reduce their working hours to care for someone in need of full-time care and attention.”
“The Department of Social Protection administers both the carer's benefit and the carer's support grant which are available to young carers in need of financial support. The annual carer's support grant is available to family carers who provide full-time care and assistance, regardless of means or social insurance contributions, and may be paid to carers from the age of 16. This grant can be used for any purpose at the discretion of the carer and is not taxed. This is not available for any other grouping. As part of budget 2025, the carer's support grant will increase by €150 to €2,000, bringing it to its highest ever rate. These supports are important because the report by the HSE's community healthcare west in 2023 on the needs of carers showed the demanding nature of the work of a carer.”
“She said, "There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who need a caregiver." Our healthcare system is very dependent on the continuing supply of family carers and their importance will increase even further as people live longer lives and benefit from advances in medical care. With The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing showing that almost three quarters of care in the community is provided by family carers, it is a significant percentage of the population, and this includes young carers. The Government is committed to enhancing the financial supports available to them.”
“We know that addressing the needs of carers, including young carers, falls to a number of different Government Departments and agencies across a breadth of policies and services. I would like to outline just some of the range of supports which are provided for carers, including young carers, across a number of these Departments. Before I do so, I would like to say that I have always been conscious of Rosalynn Carter, the former first lady and wife of the former US President Jimmy Carter, who was a particular champion of carers.”
“There were, as has been referenced, an estimated 67,000 young people between the ages of ten and 17 providing regular care to a loved one in the home as per the The Irish Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study 2018. I accept, as the motion puts it, that the number is likely to be higher now, given the rise in the overall population. Most of the work young carers do at home is at home and, therefore, is unseen and unheard by the wider world. I am conscious that Family Carers Ireland has an annual awards ceremony each year to recognise the contribution of young carers and to highlight the work that is done by young carers. I am very conscious that there are young carers who are not only looking after siblings with special needs but also simultaneously helping parents who have long-term illnesses.”
“We know that family carers are the backbone of care provision in Ireland at all times and I appreciate that. We know that between census 2016 and the most recent census in 2022 the number of carers increased by 53% to 299,128, or 6% of the population, up from 4% in the previous census. Caring is not a gender-balanced profession. Around 61% of carers are women and 39% are men. The motion speaks to the life impacts on a young person who cares for or helps to care for a family or a household member who has an illness, disability, mental health difficulties or problems with drugs or alcohol misuse. We are all incredibly appreciative of young carers and all that they do for brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers or other extended family members.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Chathaoirligh Gníomhach, as an am agus an deis a thabhairt dom. I welcome this motion from the Labour Party because it provides an opportunity to discuss the importance of family carers, particularly young carers. I particularly want to acknowledge Deputy Wall in proposing the motion. I also want to acknowledge the work of Family Carers Ireland and all of those referenced today, including Sarah Ann, Benjamin, Conor, Lucy, Noah and, equally important, all of those who have not been named but who do the work. The Government recognises family carers as key enablers for Government policy to support people to live with dignity and independence in homes and communities of their choosing for as long as possible by providing vital care to some of our most vulnerable citizens.”
“In this spirit, the Government is committed to making a difference. This is not just a promise made in words but one which has played out, and will continue to play out, in our actions, including those which I have outlined to the House today. Progress will be our mainstay and we will continue to strive for a society of opportunity, respect and equality. In the words of a celebrated Kerry woman, Sr. Stanislaus Kennedy, “Every day brings a new possibility." I look forward to working with my Cabinet colleagues, Department officials, stakeholders and everyone in this House and across this country to make this happen.”