Ms Catherine Cox:

I will add to what Mr. Douglas has said. In the case of carer’s allowance, in the last budget the income disregard for savings was raised from €20,000 to €50,000, but we are still capping carers who are putting money aside for things they will need for the future care of their loved ones. Mr. Douglas's van was €50,000.

That would be a person's savings gone in one go. We need to look at the broader picture for people, including the person with the disability and his or her wider family. We must stop penalising people and start supporting them, not just financially but also through the provision of adequate supports. Quite often, the financial strains are there because the other supports, such as respite, day services and transport to and from services, are not in place. From our perspective, we need to look at family carers and how they are supported to care safely for their loved ones in their own home. That includes the right to transport for the person with the disability and the right for carers to have their independence and live their lives.