Dan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)

Does the Minister accept the figures, as presented to Members of this House by the Carers' Association, which show that while 15,000 people are in receipt of the carer's benefit, 125,000 people are involved in caring in this country? Some 50% of carers are over 60. The impediments that prevent people from obtaining carers benefits include means-testing or already being in receipt of other social welfare payments. There is a huge disparity between 125,000 carers and the 15,000 people to whom the Minister for Social and Family Affairs can currently offer support under existing rules; he may wish to comment on this.

Why did the Minister not include Question No. 162 in his answer when addressing this issue? It relates to the recent court case where a settlement was reached with a gay couple when one partner chose to give up full-time employment to care for the other. The Minister said in press statements at the time that this did not represent a precedent. There are many people in relationships in this country with partners who require full-time care. The Minister might use this opportunity to comment on the case mentioned.

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