Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Before I commence, I remind members participating remotely they must do so from within the precincts of Leinster House. I ask members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones as these interfere with the broadcasting equipment and that members participating remotely please use the raised-hand icon on Teams if they wish to contribute.

This morning's meeting has been convened to discuss the State's national carers policy and the means assessment criteria administered by the Department of Social Protection. Ireland has over 500,000 family carers, or one in three households. They provide an essential service by allowing older people and people with a disability to live in their own home and in their own community.

The carer's allowance was first introduced in 1990 and has been a valuable support to family carers throughout the country. While the pandemic has been incredibly difficult for family carers, it has shown us how vital their care is in order to protect our most vulnerable citizens. The pandemic has also demonstrated the speed at which our social protection system can be transformed and adapted. The members of this committee and Members throughout the Oireachtas, in Government and outside it, supporting the Government and those in the Opposition, are all of the opinion we must work towards a financial support system for family carers that is designed around the care given and not dependent on the bank account of the spouse of the full-time carer. This committee has already received evidence of a carer with three profoundly disabled children who is ineligible for the carer's allowance. This clearly indicates to me the current eligibility test for the payment is little more than a means test that denies people financial assistance to support them in providing such vital services in our society. At present there are 116,000 full-time carers in Ireland but only 80,000 are able to access the carer's allowance as the current means test assesses all income coming into the household and not just that of the family carer. Of that 89,000, almost half do not get the full amount because of other household income. It is important we recognise the carer's allowance was not designed solely as an income support but to also recognise the importance of supporting as many older people and people with a disability as possible to remain in their own homes. This benefit was even more pronounced as a result of Covid-19. We must ensure the vital role that has been played during the pandemic is reflected in a proper support structure to protect our most vulnerable citizens.

Today we will hear direct evidence for the very first time from three family carers. Some of them will be addressing the committee from their own homes because up to now their roles as family carers did not facilitate them giving direct evidence. The committee is reviewing the current means assessment system to ensure carer's allowance supports all those who make such a vital contribution to society by performing the work of acting as family carers. We look forward to discussing the potential changes to the carer's allowance and changes to the means assessment system amid rising costs and inflation. We especially welcome the opportunity to hear directly from three family carers. They are Ms Anna Budayova, Ms Niamh Ryan and Mr. Damien Douglas. I thank members of the committee for raising these important issues as a priority item in our 2022 work programme. A briefing from the Department to the committee secretariat was issued to members and I particularly thank the committee's policy adviser, Ms Haley O'Shea, for her work on this. As we continue in this regard I welcome our witnesses from Family Carers Ireland to the meeting. In addition to Ms Budayova, Ms Ryan and Mr. Douglas we have Ms Catherine Cox, head of communications and policy, Mr. John Dunne, CEO and Ms Clare Duffy, policy and public affairs officer. All are very welcome.

Before we commence I must give a note on privilege. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or any other way to make him, her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if witnesses’ statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with this direction.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside of the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call on Mr. Dunne to make his opening statement on behalf of Family Carers Ireland.