Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

If I announced the abolition of the means test for carers, the Labour Party would have to amend its manifesto. Deputy Penrose would be the most disappointed man in the House if I announced that move. The Deputy feels passionately about this and has managed to put the issue at centre stage in his party, on which I compliment him.

I have an open mind on the matter. Sometimes it is better to raise thresholds and disregards and one must choose between these measures while retaining the means test or introducing a universal carers allowance. At some point the means test will not be worth a candle but one must be careful when drawing the line. One must not give valuable State money through the welfare system to people who do not need it. This will happen with a universal system. I am aware that it costs four times as much to care for someone in residential care as it does in the person's home. At some stage, retaining a means test will no longer make sense.

I will ask the Department to examine the situation in Killarney and revert to the Deputy.

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