Mr. David Doyle:

On the question regarding a statutory office for guardians and carers, the input of the family and the carer into service delivery is essential. We are the experts. We know best the people in question but probably most family members are burned out and find it really difficult. They do not know where to go or whom to contact. Having one statutory office they can contact and to which they can represent their views and highlight gaps in services is essential. People are burned out.

During my tours seeking answers, I heard a saying from a psychologist in the US, namely, that a person's needs are best met by a person whose needs have been met. By that logic, if we can look after the needs of a family who look after someone, that person's needs will be best met. That brings me to the issue of respite care, a very valuable service. Everybody needs a break, not only for the family but also for the person being cared for to get their own break from the family. They need it just as much. The service is underestimated and undervalued. The Comptroller and Auditor General gave a talk about value for money but it was not about just costs but, primarily, effectiveness and efficiencies. The value of keeping people at home as long as possible is of great value and is a cost-saving measure for the country.

If some respite care can be provided to give those people a break, it can keep the crisis or emergency from coming. It can be pushed down the line by giving the family support either in respite care or in home support. The long-term economic value to this country would be huge. I believe more money should be put into respite and support for the families.