Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 2 February 2023

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters

Living with a Disability: Discussion

Photo of Michael MoynihanMichael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the witnesses and members very much. On Senator Flynn's suggestion, we will write to the Minister and try to have that agreed for next week. It might be helpful for the letter that Family Carers Ireland wrote to the Minister to be circulated to the team so that the members would have it and we would understand the questions and issues. That would be helpful from our point of view and maybe from that of Family Carers Ireland as well. We will do that.

There are a couple of issues I could raise but I will only comment on the themes that have come across. With regard to the limits, I have always maintained that instead of being means-tested it should be need-tested. As I understand it, the review is ongoing within the Department and there is a review of the minutes. Now is our opportunity to try to drive that home.

With regard to the medical form for carer's allowance or benefits, I do not think the Department needs to fear fraudulent claims. The vast majority of people we are talking about are those who take time off for the long-term care of a sibling, parent or child. It should be need-assessed rather than means-assessed. It is as simple as that.

There is a major issue with home care provision at the moment the length and breadth of the country. We need to understand why that is the case and try to rectify it. That is hugely important. The transport issue was brought up again by Members over the last week in the Dáil Chamber. It is shocking that it has not been dealt with. We really need to keep at it. We will raise those issues. I thank the witnesses sincerely. Does Deputy Tully wish to come in?