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

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. We have improved the supports available to carers considerably in recent years.

I know the Deputy welcomed the carer's pension that is now going to come into place. It is very important to recognise the huge sacrifices many have made in caring for their loved ones, particularly parents of children with disabilities. We have also expanded a number of other supports in terms of the means tests and have increased the limits and amount of money a person can have in savings.

The Minister of State, Deputy Butler, has committed €1.9 million to a carer's guarantee. Within that is a fund for respite for carers. That is very important. I will bring the issue the Deputy raised to the Minister.

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