Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú) | Oireachtas source

That is really important to say. We also accept that the care that is actually provided saves the State a considerable amount of money. The Minister would have to recognise that the tens of thousands of men and women throughout the State who are caring are saving the State possibly billions of euro in terms of care that would otherwise have to be provided by the State. We know that individuals who provide care suffer significant income loss as a result of that.

It is important to note that this year the Government brought about a referendum for a constitutional amendment. In the referendum on that constitutional amendment, it said that there would be a new dawn for carers in Ireland. That was the commitment the Government made in March to the carers around the country. Obviously, at this stage, the budget is just a few days away. I encourage the Minister to fulfil that promise that there will be a new dawn for carers in this country by actually getting rid of the means test for carers.

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