David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)

Is it Government policy to maintain older people and people with disabilities in their own homes for as long as possible? To that end, does the Minister agree there are those, mainly women, who have given up their jobs to care for such people at home? Does the Minister also agree that it is most unfair that these people are not recognised or rewarded in any way because their spouse or partner has an income which puts them outside the means test levels as laid down by his Department? Does he agree that such people are providing a major service not only to those they are looking after, but also to the State? It is now time for the State to recognise the work of those people in their own right by giving them an allowance to encourage them and others to carry on this work. I take it that it is Government policy to maintain people in their own homes for as long as possible.

Since this issue was last raised in the House, what has the Minister done for young carers? Such people are looking after older relatives or siblings in their own homes. They are providing this great work but the Government has made absolutely no move to support them or even recognise the fact that they exist. Is the Minister committed to providing a national carers' strategy anytime soon?

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