Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate that and, again, I acknowledge the work the Minister has done. It is not about this term, however; it is about the fact that the carers are coming from a very low bar. Some 69% who took part in the Family Carers Ireland survey find it difficult to make ends meet. There is an issue with loneliness as well. The long-standing issues and the challenges that carers face, are down to what I and Family Carers Ireland call casualties of policies. They have to fight for so much support and so many services throughout their period of caring. It would be fantastic if they had one fewer fight to fight. I know it is a big undertaking, and I recognise that the Minister values their contribution, but there are 500,000 carers in the country who are saving the State €20 billion, and we have quite a surplus this year.

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