John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Eugene Murphy spoke about the bureaucracy encountered by carers and how it is deal with by the Department. I would like all of that to be streamlined and greater understanding shown to those coming home to care for their individual family members. Carers have saved the State significant money. Every Member will make that statement. It is time the Government began to count the cost in terms of how much money is saved because we are not talking about one individual carer. We are talking about family members coming together to cover all the hours to look after the individual they love. That needs to be recognised.

I support what Deputy Butler said about the meeting held in Kilkenny. The anger at that meeting stemmed from the fact that carers feel they are not appreciated and understood by Government, which does not understand the extent of the work they do, and they are under significant pressure. Other speakers mentioned stress, depression, difficulties in families and the arguments that take place. If we are going to give leadership in this area and prepare for a greater number of people to be cared for in the future, we must be proactively ahead of this and prepare for new ways of conducting this type of business. We must listen to those on the front line such as the people providing care and the people at that meeting.

I would say the same with regard to home care. The Government should listen to those employed by the HSE and how they believe the hours should be organised and recognised. It will find that it will save money and give greater care where it is needed through working with them rather than against them.

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