Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)

I wish to raise two issues with the Minister. First, we were talking about young carers but a large number of people caring for others are spouses and are themselves elderly. What provisions has the Minister in mind in respect of caring for the carers? Who cares for the carers? Many carers who have precarious health problems need support.

Second, I wish to address the community and voluntary aspects of carers. My feeling is that communities and voluntary groups in communities have carried out and are carrying out important work to support and alleviate the problems of older people. In other countries there are more local levels of distribution of funds and supports. I am involved with community supports. Would the Minister be in favour of giving more power to communities and voluntary organisations within them to provide these supports rather than their coming from on high? Community groups probably have more cognisance and would be better apprised of supporting people at home, thereby keeping them out of institutions and away from expensive hospital services.

See this speech in context