Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There was a great deal of information in that. I acknowledge that substantial changes have been made for carers, particularly with the carer's allowance. I welcome those but to quote a phrase that was previously used in these premises, "A lot done. More to do.". The work that carers are doing is extraordinary, particularly at present when it is very difficult for people to get carers even when home help hours are allocated. Family carers, in particular, are being leaned on more. First, what are the Minister's plans to promote these changes?

Second, there are a number of anomalies affecting carers, particularly family carers. I have a case where a family carer lost the fuel allowance because an adult who had been staying in a care centre moved home when the care centre closed as a consequence of Covid. The fuel allowance was taken from the carer. There are anomalies affecting carers that need to be ironed out.

Finally, does the Minister have information on the current turnaround time for carer's allowance and carer's benefit applications?

See this speech in context