24. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update regarding the implementation of an appeals system for the power up scheme; when it is likely that businesses will be able to lodge appeals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21730/25]

Sentiment score: 0.01

My concern in regard to carer's allowance is the fact that the population is aging. Thankfully, people are living longer. The last census showed 832,000 people aged over 65 living in the country. Within the next four years, that figure will reach 1 million. The cost of nursing home care is at least €1,100 per person per week. Regarding long-term planning for the carer's allowance, it is important that we plan not just for today or tomorrow but for the next five to ten years. How proactive is the Department in looking at that plan and the number of people who will require care? The figure will increase dramatically over the next five to ten years.

Sentiment score: 0.26

97. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Social Protection if an examination of improvements to key ancillary benefits such as the fuel allowance, household benefits package and living alone allowance to support vulnerable groups has occurred as per the programme for Government; if not, when this examination is to occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21297/25]

Sentiment score: 0.25

I ask the Minister if an examination of improvements to key ancillary benefits, such as the fuel allowance, household benefits package and living alone allowance, to support vulnerable groups has occurred as part of the programme for Government. If not, when is this examination to occur? Will the Minister make a statement on the better?

Sentiment score: 0.39

I mentioned the growing population and people living longer, but there is the additional problem of people living alone, especially in rural areas. As the Minister will know, having come from a rural constituency, transport costs for someone living alone in a rural area is a matter we have not focused enough on and we need to look at. The cost of getting from A to B, be it ten miles, 15 miles or 20 miles, in a rural area is more expensive. This is one matter we should be considering in terms of the living alone allowance. Where people look after themselves at home, there is less demand on the State compared to them being in nursing home care. Therefore, it is important that we ensure people can stay in their own homes for the longest possible time and we provide the additional supports they need. With the rising costs in various areas for the household, it is important that that review would continue annually. The one subject we need to look at, especially for people living in rural areas, is that of people living alone and the living alone allowance.

Sentiment score: -0.06

In rural and urban areas, support groups provide an important service, particularly for those living alone or who are elderly and need support. It is important that, in reviewing those supports, there is work done across the Departments of Health and Social Protection to ensure that those groups get support to help those who need care and assistance, be they in urban or rural areas. It is something that needs to be co-ordinated to a far greater scale that it has before. Much work was done, particularly during Covid, and it is important that we continue and ensure that does not in slip in any way. We should not just take it that everyone is well able to look after himself or herself. That is not the case and is why we need to have those supports in place.

Sentiment score: 0.51