Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am of the same opinion that it needs to be looked at. There are so many schemes, including the carer's allowance. I know of so many people going into appeals where the Department wants further information. There is a far higher refusal rate than I have ever seen before. I would question this.

When we look at it, people who are caring are looking after people instead of them being in hospitals or in homes, and yet every time a decision is appealed the Department wants further information. It is also being means tested, which is a huge issue. It is of course the same for the domiciliary allowance or any of the schemes.

I am dealing with a lovely lady at the moment who has a child with a disability. Although the child is actually in school for a few hours, this lady had to give up work to be the carer. This lady qualifies for nothing because her husband earns barely over the limit.

As others have said, we need to look at certain schemes to see what we can do to help those who are vulnerable and doing their best to help the system. The system is letting them down.

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