Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

I know where he is and his assessment is probably right. I am involved in developing a strategy with carers and we will examine some of these issues in that context because it is a good framework within which to deal with the remaining issues.

As Deputy Stanton knows, we increased the 15 hours per week limit last year, but we have not moved the limit this year because we want to determine how well it works. The figure is reasonable because one reaches a point of being unable to provide full-time care and attention beyond a certain number of hours. We will keep an open mind.

It is a fair distance to June. The deadline was set for reasons of ease of administration because the Department has so many schemes and projects. Another reason is that, as it is an annual allowance paid throughout the year, we do not want to provide it in situations where people will qualify for it in January, but will not qualify in February because they have gone back to work, are no longer caring for someone or only provide care for a short period. It was explained to me that we must work out a number of administrative issues, but the June deadline is not sacrosanct and I am determined that no one will suffer because he or she misses a deadline. Between now and June, we will examine the matter thoroughly.

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