Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I am glad the Deputy agrees. We have come a long way in a relatively short period, and rightly so. There is no doubt those who provide care deliver a great service. If the State had to provide this, the cost would probably far exceed the current cost. Nevertheless we have grown the budget in this area very substantially.

Nobody has unlimited resources, so we must continue to ensure we target the benefits, be they financial or otherwise. This is particularly relevant where we offer financial benefits to those who could do with them most. We should have some structures around those who benefit. Some families, who can well afford much more than others, should not necessarily get all of this free. The targeted method we are using, the apparent benefits and the lifting of the limit to €36,000 of income, amounts to a very generous package.

My intention as I go forward with this Government is to do more within this broad area. We will act on whatever issues we can bring to bear at budget time or otherwise. It is an area in which I have a particular and obvious interest. I wish to build on the excellent work done to date.

See this speech in context