Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

The issue here is recognising what carers give up to care for somebody, usually a family member, and the potential cost to the State if these people were not willing to give up often gainful employment to do a job which could cost the State far more. There is room for flexibility and we should be a bit more imaginative in terms of the practicalities. If a carer's workplace is close to the home of the person being cared for, an employer might be willing to give him or her permission to leave in an emergency so as to ensure the needs of the care recipient are met. We should examine such issues in order to give people a real chance.

We should not forget the loneliness and isolation for carers, particularly if they are caring for somebody who is quite ill and who may not be able to communicate. Working, therefore, could be very important to them, both mentally and socially. The 15 hour rule is quite restrictive and is less than what is allowed under some other social welfare schemes. In those circumstances, this should be examined.

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