Paddy Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support the many things our guests are seeking, particularly regarding the means testing. I believe it should be abolished. I also fully support the increase in the carer's allowance. I see at first hand in my mother's house the great work that carers do. She is 95 years of age and the care they give is unbelievable. Family carers cannot give the same care that these carers give. What they do is specialised and they know what they are doing. I have seen that they give loving care to older people and I support the call for the increase in the allowance for the family carers. The work they carry out is incredible and they should be properly compensated for that work. I honestly believe the means test should be abolished. We need more and more carers. Why should we be putting obstacles in the way of good carers who could be carrying out some very valuable work? The fact that there is a means test deters them from doing that type of work. I fully support the many issues that have been raised and I compliment our guests for coming here and making their contributions today.