Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister's answer that she has no plans. Why did she comment that this was a matter which was under consideration if she had no plans? Is she aware of the distress caused to many carers all over the country when the issue was raised and discussed?

Did the Minister have any discussions with the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Mary Harney, on the knock-on effects of this decision? It is somewhat irrelevant if she is not going to cut the payment.

We have been waiting since December 2007 for the publication of a national carers' strategy which was committed to in the programme for Government. There may be associated costs, depending on what the strategy contains, but when will it be published?

See this speech in context