Ms Catherine Cox:

We have conducted research on the participation income with the University of Maynooth and it was recommended that a group be established. The Minister has started to consider the creation of an interdepartmental group. The PBO has estimated that the cost will be €375 million. Two years ago the estimated cost was €390 million. Given the social welfare changes in the carer's allowance last year, the cost has reduced. Plus, as the Senator has stated, carers also save the State €20 million.

If anybody wants to look at our report, Towards a Participation Income for Family Carers, they will see that it outlines how a scheme would work. In respect of what Deputy Ó Cuív said, we have looked at this over the long term but we need to see this in place in 2027. In the meantime, we need to continue raising issues like the income disregard and ensuring the carer's allowance is no longer a taxable income. It should not be a taxable income. There are lots of tweaks that could be made to the system which would bring more carers in and allow us to move towards the day when the means test on family income is abolished. The means test must be abolished because carers contribute so much to society and health services. The work of carers reduces the need for people to go into hospital. Carers reduce pressures on the health system yet carers continue to be undervalued, unrecognised and unsupported.

On the establishment of a cross-departmental group to consider the means test, it is not just the job of the Department of Social Protection. It is also a matter for health, disability and education. It involves the Department of Education because it is everything that carers fight for to get their child a school place and secure therapies for their child. Analysis by a cross-departmental group will mean the issue is considered in a far more holistic way. Social protection and income support are key to all of that.