David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)

On amendment No. 17, why is the Minister proceeding with the major meeting on carers in the coming weeks when we are so close to an election? Would he not be better to wait until after the election? The last thing we want to do is raise people's hopes. We all agree that the meeting is needed and is a good idea, but I wonder about the timing. We do not want to accuse the Minister of cynically using carers for electioneering purposes. There is consensus in the House on what needs to be done and I hope whoever is in power after the election can pick up the ball and run with it in the same direction.

On home care packages and caring in general, it has been brought to my attention that carers often find it very hard to obtain the supports they need. This may not be the Minister's direct area of responsibility as it pertains more to the Minister for Health and Children. If a carer needs help, it should come quickly. The system should ask the carer what it can do to help, it should not try to stop any assistance.

In fairness, the Minister's Department does that, with officials asking how they can help. The mindset of officialdom must reflect this outlook, where we see what we can do to assist the carer. I welcome the Minister's comments on redefining the role of the carer, paying for the work that is being done, meaning the spouse's earnings are not taken into account, which encourages people to perform a caring role.

Training and certification will also lead to professional carers performing this vital function while saving the State money in the long term and helping people to stay in their own homes. Older people and those with a disability who can stay among their own things are happier and live longer.

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