Ms Catherine Cox:

Deputy Kerrane is correct with regard to the national carers strategy. We got the first strategy in 2012 and at the time it was cost neutral. As the Deputy said, carers held out and anything that could be done in that strategy was done. There is a commitment in the programme for Government for a refreshed strategy. We have engaged on this with Department of Health officials and the Minister of State, Deputy Butler. We sent a proposal for a new strategy in September or October to the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, and the Department. We have not really seen much progress on this, to be honest. We would like any support the committee could give us to progress it. The strategy straddles all Departments. It looks at housing, access to equipment and therapies for children and adults. It is crucial that we get it and it is promised in the programme for Government.

The other issue raised is the carers' support grant being paid in two instalments. There are different schools of thought on this and Ms Duffy and I differ slightly on it. We put this out to carers very recently through an open forum and the unanimous feedback was that carers do not want it paid in two instalments. Having said this, there are arguments as to why it would be beneficial to do it. At present, it is not one of our asks. We took it out of our most recent pre-budget submission. We will review it again because there is a situation whereby unless people are caring in the second week in June they will not get the grant for the previous year whereas if it were done in two instalments they might get half the grant. There are arguments for and against it. It is not a priority for us at present but we will review it again. I will hand over to Ms Duffy to respond on the bin waiver.