Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This scheme is for over 20 years. The home caring payment or credits are in place for periods of up to 20 years. We wanted to expand that and we came up with the scheme for longer term carers.

As with all schemes in my Department, there is always an appeals mechanism. The family carers register has been set up and we have worked very closely with Family Carers Ireland. In fairness to FCI, it has done a lot of work to create awareness around this scheme. I would hate to think we would be in a position where people were not aware of it. We are doing everything we can to make people aware of it and we want them to submit an application. There have been no refusals to date. We will continue to look at how we can improve the scheme.

I want to see the referendum on care passed on 8 March because a "Yes" vote will certainly strengthen my hand and the hand of every future Minister when it comes to enhancing and improving the supports for care in the future. I believe a "Yes" vote for care will mean we go forward, not back. We have achieved a lot but there is more to do.

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