Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)

I wish to raise a few points in support of the amendment. Carers are not invisible even though some think of their work as done in the background. We all know family members or neighbours who are carers. Although they are a part of the community the amount of work they do is underestimated because it takes place in people's homes and is so great it makes it difficult for them to be active in the community. Carers are invaluable.

Sinn Féin has called for the abolition of the means test for carers. Previous speakers referred to the situation in the North and although positive changes have been made in this State, we should continue to examine the North as a model for changes to which we aspire. According to UN reports this country is, per capita, the second richest in the world. The inequality in this State affects many carers who provide an essential service. The State continues to expect people to undertake this work and Deputy Penrose has referred to possible savings of €800 million.

I know of young people who are carers and their lives and careers are on hold. These people seek recognition of the work they do and the changes that have taken place over recent years are insufficient. We should eliminate the means test for carers and calculate how much this would cost, taking into consideration how much the State saves in the long run.

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