Written question asked by Peter Robinson (Democratic Unionist Party) on Tuesday, 25 October 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 27 October 2005. It was answered by Lord Hanson of Flint (Labour) on Monday, 7 November 2005 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Carers

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to implement a pay scale for carers across Northern Ireland.

Answer: Carers have access to the full range of social security benefits, including carers allowance, and tax credits, depending on their individual circumstances, and to a wide range of services from their local Health and Social Services Trust, which are designed to offer practical support for their caring role. The Government are satisfied that targeting help in this way represents the best use of resources, and has no plans to introduce a pay scale for carers.

Secondary information