Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

This matter was raised on Committee Stage and when representatives from the Department appeared before the Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs on a previous occasion. The point has been made that there is a difficulty with regard to people returning home to care for family members because the habitual residence condition affects their entitlement to carer's allowance.

Anecdotal information relating to this matter was provided on Committee Stage. In addition, the Free Legal Advice Centres, FLAC, highlighted a number of serious cases. I will comment on the habitual residence condition in respect of a later amendment. Difficulties arise in the context of the operation of this condition and it presents a harsh reality for particular sections of the population. I do not have a difficulty with the concept of it as an overarching condition. However, its specific application can have serious effects on individual sections of society. In my opinion, the condition requires review.

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