Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Ms Cox for her comprehensive opening statement. Before we start I put on the record as Chairperson and I am sure on behalf of all of the committee members our thanks to those who are caring. Everyone of us knows in our own local communities throughout the country the valued work which is done. The last two paragraphs read by Ms Cox very much encompass what the public feel. It is incumbent upon us as public representatives to ensure that the Government approach mirrors what is felt by society. These are strong recommendations and Ms Cox also referred to comments by An Taoiseach which I believe are quite positive towards further changes and supports for carers.

I welcome Senator Flynn's young daughter to the meeting today.

We now move to our questions and on the week of slot 3, our first contributor is Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan.