Ms Rosaleen Doonan:

Absolutely. If I had discussed this matter ten or 15 years ago, people would have said it was off the wall. There would not have been a need for such recognition because people who required 24-7 medical care would not have been at home. Times have changed, however. I have visited houses filled with hoists, wheelchairs and all sorts of medical paraphernalia and seen people traipsing in and out all day expecting cups of tea to be made for them. Homes must be made centres of care if we are serious about dealing with this matter. There is another option, namely, to reconsider the health strategies which obtain on both sides of the Border. However, I do not believe that will happen.

We will look at the two health strategies, but I do not think that is going to happen on both sides of the Border.

Before we write up such health strategies on the way forward we must consider what we intend to do and what that will mean for people. I am not necessarily asking for it to happen. There is a willingness among Irish people to look after their loved ones at home. Their loved ones want to be at home. Furthermore, I think it is the place for them. The doors are open. It is just a matter of having the supports to be able to do that without killing oneself. The statistics on ill health among carers are frightening. When one cares for someone in a full-on manner with very little support over a period of five to 20 years, one's health will be hugely compromised. We have done simple things that have made such a difference. We had a programme that thankfully was supported by the HSE in the west. People go to De Exeter House in Kilmacrenan in Donegal for breaks and that makes such a difference.