Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Would the Minister of State agree with me that it is time to review urgently the means test for carer's allowance? The income limits are far too low. Furthermore, there is nowhere near enough flexibility when applicants are marginally over the income threshold. Time and again, carers who give every second of their day to look after loved ones are caught between a rock and hard place. There needs to be more flexibility shown by the Department.

I have to give the Minister the example of Dolores, who is from west Cork. She absolutely adores her son Timmy. She would do anything for him and gives every second of her day to making sure he is comfortable. However, she has been turned down for a full-time carer's allowance payment. She has appealed the decision time and again and she continues to be turned down. In essence, she has inherited an asset which is of no monetary value to her whatsoever. She needs support. Could the Minister work with the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, so that someone from her office can reach out to Dolores and help her? If the system was ever intended to benefit anyone, it is Dolores.

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