Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I seek one quick clarification from Family Carers Ireland. In his opening statement, Mr. Dunne mentioned that he believed that a review to be undertaken would possibly see the abolition of the means test or the establishment of a participation income for carers as recommended in the NESC report in 2020. Will Family Carers Ireland now formally call for the Minister to abolish the means test in the budget? I imagine Family Carers Ireland has the same issue that the rest of us have had. We have not been able to get a figure. It is welcome that Ms Duffy has some figures. Our biggest barrier is that the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has not been able to give us a cost of abolishing the means test for carer's allowance. It is welcome that figures are now available and we can all get on board. It is not an either-or; it is the abolition of the means test. Is that clearly what Family Carers Ireland will request? I want to ensure we are all on the same page. We will publish a report making recommendations. I would like us to be very much in line with what Family Carers Ireland is requesting. The carers who have appeared before the committee today have been clear that is what they are looking for and I presume it is what most carers are looking for.