Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the support offered by the Deputy and Members on all sides for the new half rate carer's allowance that comes into effect from tomorrow. This payment will be enormously beneficial to many people. There is no doubt that when a change of this magnitude is introduced, anomalies will arise in the system. The latter is particularly true in the case of a Department such as mine, which has a huge customer base. The Deputy highlighted specific areas in respect of which issues arise. I want to achieve two things, namely, to ensure resources are used to the best effect and to see to it that such resources are targeted at areas in respect of which they will provide the best outcomes and prove most beneficial.

It is not possible to resolve all the issues in one year or through one budget. The achievements realised in the area of carers in recent years have been phenomenal. We want to protect these achievements and build on them. There are issues relating to this area and the Deputy pointed out that as regards the cost to the State, the return obtained in respect of the investment made is extremely significant. We want to protect this position and if we can enhance the system by allowing people to provide specific care while also taking account of other aspects of their lives, we will try to do so.

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