Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Deputy Nolan completely. Carers carry out an incredible role across the State in looking after loved ones. Even if we set aside the financial costs, the work they do and their commitment to it is something we absolutely support. In my response to Deputy McAuliffe just now I mentioned the additional grant payment that is being paid out to 125,000 carers at a cost of €260 million. We are going to enhance pension provision for carers, which is a really important step forward. We will also look at other supports for carers in advance of the budget.

The Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Humphreys, is actively engaged in that. I commend the work of Carers Ireland as an advocacy and representative group. I thank Deputy Nolan for raising the issue.

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