Anthony Lawlor (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for the comprehensive reply. I had not realised the people in receipt of the payment had been asked how they would like to be paid. Had I received the information in a response to a parliamentary question I would not have needed to ask about it here. It is clear that people prefer to receive it as they do. The cut-off date of 5 June seems to confuse people. A better date might be 31 December and it could remain payable around 5 June. I am happy with the response and I understand where the Minister of State is coming from. The Minister did not say if the Government might be in a position to increase the payment to carers. We all recognise the work they do.

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