Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Independent)

I will. My constituent was refused carer's allowance based on the Chief Medical Officer's assessment that his daughter could take care of herself. I have a copy of the assessment made by the educational psychologist and a letter from a GP, both of which are ambiguous in stating his daughter needs full-time care. He has been told, therefore, that he will not receive carer's allowance, even though he has submitted paperwork and clinical testimony that show he should receive it. A few days ago he was called by the HSE and told that it would read his letter in 13 weeks if he was lucky. The HSE official has told him he is not getting a place, but he has not been told that there are potential solutions and that he will hear further about them. For the small number of people in this position, I ask the Government to make a commitment that funding for rehabilitative training will be made available. We know there is funding available in other areas. The figure for public sector pay increments has increased by €180 million. The majority of State agencies under the supervision of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform have increased their stationery and travel costs.

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