Frank Fahey (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

When the carer's allowance was introduced in November 1990, it was welcomed across the board. The weekly payment at that time was £45 and was not intended as a payment for the work done by carers but an acknowledgement of their tremendous contribution. That acknowledgement had not been made previously, certainly not in a financial sense. However, as carers tried to apply for the scheme, much criticism was expressed that it was very restrictive. It was difficult to qualify and few benefited in 1990. All Ministers since then have acknowledged the benefit of the scheme and efforts have been made to expand it. It has been made more flexible in successive budgets, the payment has increased and more people now qualify than ever before.

The record on this is clear. In 1991 the scheme was extended to cover persons in receipt of disabled person's maintenance allowance. In June 1995 the payment increased to £62.50, in 1996 to £67.50, in June 1999 to £81.50, in January 2002 to €137.80 and the present rate is €157.80. The scheme has expanded and more people benefit as a result. However, the amount paid bears no resemblance to the contribution carers make. It is not a perfect scheme. It is important the Government continues to expand it and to provide a higher level of payment to carers. It is only natural that people want to be looked after in their own homes and vital that the Government makes every effort to make that possible. People feel better in their own surroundings and the cost to the Exchequer is minimal in comparison to the cost of treating people in hospitals or nursing homes.

I listened to the Labour Party criticism of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001.

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