Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The advisory group was requested, following announcement of the budget, to look at this on foot of representations made particularly by parents of profoundly disabled children, for whom the job of caring in the home is onerous work for parents. While I have read information on this in the newspapers, I have not received any report from the advisory group.

The advisory group comprises distinguished people involved in issues around poverty, social welfare and disability and of representatives of a number of Departments, including the Departments of Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform and Children and Youth Affairs, and the Revenue Commissioners. It seeks to avail of the best of current information on best practices in respect of children and supporting children and their families.

As I said, I have not received any report, although I have read what has been printed about this in the newspapers. When I receive the report, I will look at it carefully, following which I will bring it to Cabinet. However, I must point out that it will be only an advisory report and that, at the end of the day, it is the Government who, in the context of the budget, will decide.

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