Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)

No, he sought the respite care grant for three weeks to undertake necessary work on his 50-acre farm during the summer. There is a degree of danger on the farm, with tractors collecting silage. He has never claimed anything from the State and felt he was entitled to it. I made representations to the Department and the response was that he would have qualified if he was not working more than 15 hours per week. If he worked only 15 hours per week he could not keep himself, let alone his mother. If his mother was in a nursing home it would be a huge cost to the State. The Department should examine this matter.

I refer to the disability allowance for epileptics. I understand that the disease is lifelong and epileptics are advised not to be alone at any time. A lone parent is in a relationship and has given up social housing to move in with her partner but she has lost her disability allowance because of his means. Does she have a disability or not? Either one has a disability or not, regardless of means. If they were very well off, I would not make the case but in this instance it should be examined.

At the age of 70 one is entitled to the medical card, yet one will not receive it without applying for it. The position is the same with the pension as one must apply for it when they reach 66. People should automatically receive a pension. I have met people who are unable to fill out forms and must approach me or others. Over the new year period I met a man of 72, who had never been to a doctor and did not have a medical card. No doctor would take him on. When one reaches 70 years of age the medical card should automatically be sent out, as is the case in Scandinavian countries. Why is there all this paperwork? One does not receive children's allowance for the months after a child's 18th birthday. Some paperwork could be cut out.

The next matter concerns the Minister for Finance as well as the Department of Social and Family Affairs. I cannot understand why parents of children with Down's syndrome do not qualify for the primary care certificate. Children with Down's syndrome must be brought everywhere by their parents, yet they do not qualify for relief of VAT and VRT on their vehicle. The children will never drive, nor will they be independent. Addressing this would make life much easier for those with Down's syndrome and for the ordinary people who are getting by from day to day.

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