1. Internet exercise - The carer’s allowance

Go to the Web site of the Department of Social and Family Affairs at:

http://www.welfare.ie

Go to the icon for Guide to Social Welfare Services.

Find out the following information in relation to the Carer’s Allowance:

1. Explain what is meant by the carer’s allowance.
2. How much money can a carer get?
3. What is a carer?
4. Can a carer get a carer’s allowance if they are getting another payment from the department?
5. How is the carer’s allowance paid?

If possible, use a word processor to write the answers to these questions.

Then, write a letter to the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs making the case for an increase in the carer’s allowance. Include as many arguments for increasing the allowance as you can think of.

Ask you teacher to consider sending some of the letters to the relevant Minister - check the Department’s Web site to see whether you can send the letters electronically.