Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

This is something that occurred to me. I am aware of a carer who looked after her daughter for 40 years. Her daughter has a profound disability and she has been placed in a supported living home in the community after many years of campaigning for this. When this lady applied for a pension, however, she was distraught to find that she was not entitled to any pension because she did not have the 520 stamps. She was never in a position to work outside of the home. She worked 24-7 looking after her daughter and loved it. She said she does not in any way regret looking after her daughter, obviously, and giving her all the care. However, the fact is that she is not entitled to a pension of any sort in recognition of that care. She received the carer's allowance but she has been told now that she is not eligible because her husband is receiving a pension. She is not entitled in her own right, if Ms Cox knows what I mean. She probably qualifies for an increase-----