Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

Against a background of budgetary constraints and challenges to all sectors of public spending, we must first look for value for money. It is calculated that there are approximately 161,000 carers who provide 3.7 million hours of home care a week and probably no more than 30,000 to 35,000 of those qualify for carer's allowance in the first instance. This represents a saving to the State of €2.1 billion if alternative residential care was to be paid for, and we must bear this in mind as a backdrop in any evaluation.

The Carers Association understands more than anyone the current economic challenges and accepts the need for the Government to make difficult policy and budgetary decisions. The association noted the value of the work it does, as we all understand and value it. All it calls for is that the Government would recognise the contribution of carers and protect what has already been achieved in terms of some modest financial assistance. The fear of the association is that there may be a risk to the continuation of the half-rate carer's allowance on foot of the McCarthy report, which recommended phasing it out.

The half-rate carer's payment is used by carers to cover additional costs associated with caring. The payment, which is worth up to €110 per week, is received by carers who are providing full-time care, which, experience has shown, is often in excess of 60 hours per week. Indeed, when we meet deputations locally, some people cannot get away to meet us because they cannot arrange for somebody else to take care of the person they are caring for. This allowance can often make the difference between the person being cared for in the home or not, which in itself creates a substantial saving for the State. In March, the Minister, Deputy Mary Hanafin, stated that the economic situation makes it difficult to commit to major advances in services for carers. It is understandable, as I have said, and the Carers Association recognises this. This is what lead it to produce a set of cost-neutral proposals, the aim of which is to go in some way towards addressing the lack of essential support services available for family carers.

Many carers feel their role is totally undervalued. Carers are a vital element in keeping people at home. However, the association would foresee the need to form a whole new relationship interface with the State and relevant support services to maintain carers in their caring role. The dual approach of putting appropriate community and home services in place, thereby looking after the well-being of the carers themselves, is essential in the development of an effective strategy for all involved.

I have met the Carers Association in Bray. Over 4,000 carers provide care to members of their family and informally to non-members of the family in Wicklow. I find it very difficult given that Towards 2016 promised to develop a carers' strategy as one of its elements. For many reasons, I believe Towards 2016 was flawed but, in recognition of the role carers play, it seems a dreadful tragedy that the Minister could not see her way to producing that carers' strategy. I plead with the Minister's office to ensure that due recognition is given to carers in her approach to the budget. Specifically, I urge continuation of the half-rate carer's allowance. I would appreciate feedback on the issue.

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