Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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Mr. McGrath rightly pointed to the UNCRPD. For too long, that legislation has been used as an excuse to delay the ratification of the optional protocol. We can all look forward to that not being an excuse any more.

I have one more question for Mr. Dunne. He raised many issues on which we need to look for answers. He discussed how appointed decision-making representatives receive an expense remuneration but there is no provision for remuneration for family carers acting as decision-making representatives. It seems to be another example of the State taking family carers for granted. I am aware that Deputy Dillon asked about it, but I ask Mr. Dunne to elaborate on the type of expenses that carers currently have when acting as decision-making representatives. We have had feedback in the cost of disability research report. We know the additional cost of having a disability in Ireland is a minimum of between €9,000 and €12,000 a year, but we do not hear much about what it costs for those who are carers for people with disabilities who are on the bare minimum disability allowance. I think it is important for the committee to understand the added cost.