Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is positive that the interdepartmental working group is going to happen. In fairness, the Minister put it better than I would. Mothers and fathers are doing not only their families but also the State a significant service. We have all met people who have been forced to change the nature of their lives because of the enormous work they have to do in caring for family members who have complex additional needs. That needs to be recognised and, as I say, I welcome the moves that have been made. We must ensure we keep our eye on the goal and target and ensure we can deliver a system that works. I get it; wherever the Minister puts the thresholds, there will be a difficulty. However, a threshold that allows fewer people to be detrimentally impacted has to be considered. As I say, she can do this work and have this group up and running. It can report back to her and she can take action. All of us would welcome that as soon as possible. These are the means by which we can deliver for carers.

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