Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have one final question. We focus on the area of social protection when it comes to carers but there is also an educational focus, particularly when one is transitioning out of the carer phase. For example, a carer who is caring for a person 24/7 for many years may find himself or herself at a loose end when the person passes away. Is there anything the Department can do to help those people get back to education, further education, training or upskilling? My experience from a family situation is that depression is a huge issue for people coming out of caring for a loved one who has passed away. What is the witnesses' experience of people who suddenly find themselves no longer caring for somebody, how do they got back to normal living in terms of working and socialising and what supports are available to them? It is always about the income. After six weeks the income is gone. The issue is much wider than that.