Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is very much the business of the State to support those who need care and those who provide care. The Taoiseach's recent comments in the media stating his position that the provision of care for vulnerable citizens is not the responsibility of the State are entirely wrong. They are, of course, very informative because they go some way towards explaining why carers have been so badly treated, why they have been left behind time and again and why so many find themselves burnt out and in a desperate lifelong battle with the system in the context of simply getting the basics that they need to provide the care that their loved ones require.

I put it to the Taoiseach that it is time for a sea change in terms of how the Government regards and understands the provision of care. We have a motion before the House this evening which, finally, makes provision for the ratification of the optional protocol on disability. It would also provide for respite services and therapies, the very things that a decent Government and State should and must provide for those who require care and for those who provide it.

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