Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister and congratulate her on the disregard increases she has introduced and the amount of work she has done in facilitating the carer's means test. I am fully aware of the work that had to be done to get those figures together. Well done to her on that.

She referred to an interdepartmental group. There are a number of issues it could look at. The Minister said the average duration of a claim for carer's benefit is 76 weeks. How many people who come off the benefit cease getting any payment from the State but continue to qualify for the carer's support grant? That would give a figure for how many people do not go back to paid employment and continue to provide care. I understand her point about a universal payment, all that goes with it and the challenges that are there, but there is this cohort of people to consider.

I also understand the issue regarding the State pension. The Minister has achieved a very welcome development in that regard and the legislation will be very beneficial-----

See this speech in context