Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

Unfortunately, I cannot divulge to the Deputy any details of the budget announcements which may be made by the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan, on budget day. All I can say is that, as Minister, I very much value and appreciate the role and work carers do in Irish society. The model of caring we would all wish to see is one where people are enabled, encouraged, facilitated and supported to stay in their own home for as long as possible. That is the modern model of caring for people who have an illness. It is important that we should support the development and continuance of that model.

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