Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister and thank him for his presentation. I also acknowledge the work of the officials in the Department.

New politics gets a lot of criticism, but I acknowledge the fact that the Minister is here before the committee, setting out his priorities for the Department and asking for our views.

I believe that is a welcome step. The fact that the Minister has put it to the committee to outline our priorities and what they should be is welcome.

I believe priorities should be given to family carers of people with disabilities. Family carers do tremendous work up and down our State. They save the country scores of millions of euro everyday. I believe priority must given to them in the forthcoming budget. There must a recognition of the work they do and the money they save in caring for their loved ones and people with disabilities. I concur with Deputy O'Dea in relation to pensioners. I acknowledge the fact that there was an increase in the rate in the last budget and I look forward to a similar increase in reflection of the new partnership Government. I think we need to focus on pensioners and how we can improve their lot. I also welcome the priority that the Minister is giving to the self-employed. It is an issue that was raised with me on numerous occasions during the last election. I welcome the fact that a new deal will be on offer to the self-employed. I welcome the work that has been done to date and the fact that the Minister has consulted with employers. I look forward to the outcome of that survey. I believe that we need to extend social insurance to the self-employed. I welcome the fact that the Minister has given priority to that in his contribution today. Much ground has been covered by other committee members and I look forward to the Minister's response.