Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)

In support of Deputy Penrose it is important that we review this area as soon as possible. The Minister speaks of having a limited amount of money but we believe this needs to be addressed urgently. Every week 150,000 carers work 3.5 million hours and each year they contribute over €2.1 billion to the State. Fewer than one in six carers qualify for carer's allowance. I commend the Carers Association for providing a loud and strong voice for the tens of thousands of full-time and many part-time carers, which has moved the issue up on the political agenda.

Last week I received a telephone call from a distraught family whose mother was caring for her husband who has Alzheimer's disease. The mother had a heart attack and the family have no doubt that the stress she experienced contributed to this. They wonder what will happen their father and who can look after him. It is difficult for them too because their mother will take months or more to recover from her heart attack and may not be able to care for herself, let alone her loved one.

Carers must be recognised and valued for the work they do, from a human point of view. Behind each carer is a story about the difficulties he or she encounters. I know the Minister will say he will consider this sympathetically but unfortunately that is no use to the families in this situation. We need to keep our eye on this issue. I cannot understand why, in an economy that is so successful and has so much money, we cannot address this issue or give more support to carers. The amendment is simple and the means test for the carer's allowance needs to be abolished. I hope this or some other Minister will review this issue in a few months because it needs to be highlighted and requires a political response. I hope the Minister will support this amendment.

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