Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Sinn Féin for bringing this very important motion before the Dáil. Carers are the unsung heroes of Ireland, providing essential care that supports both their loved ones and the broader healthcare system. The current means test for carer's allowance is a significant barrier that prevents many carers from receiving the support they need. Abolishing this means test would not only provide financial relief to carers but would also recognise their invaluable contribution to society and the economy. It is time for the Government to take decisive action and ensure that carers receive the respect, recognition and support they deserve. I say that based on my work in County Kerry. I am so proud and glad of the people I meet in my day-to-day work and the massive service that they give. Our nursing homes, community hospitals and bigger hospitals are creaking under pressure as it is. If the excellent work that carers are doing was to stop and if all the people who are being cared for at home were to be in the public system all of a sudden there would be total chaos. The best value for the money the State spends would be to give an adequate amount to people who might have been thrown off a cliff edge. They might have been getting on fine with their lives and then all of a sudden an event happens like a heart attack, a stroke or the beginning of Alzheimer's disease and they have to face caring for a person at home. It could be the victim of an accident or a person who is just getting older and slowing down. The best value we will ever get is to pay people to take care of others at home but we must do it adequately. The means test should be abolished.

The Acting Chairman will have to allow me, in the last 30 seconds of my time, to break from this debate and to speak about something very important because it will probably be my last time I hope it will not be my last time but it will be my last time looking at him. I want to put something on record of the Dáil, and I am very proud to say this. Even though we would be from different sides of the political fence, I never held Deputy Ring in anything but the highest esteem. I personally believe that his loss to Irish politics will be vast and great given his experience and ability to put effort into his constituency. Nobody could ever polish his shoes for the effort, drive, energy and determination that he put into his role as a public representative. It will be remembered forever. He is a legendary figure in Irish politics and I mean that - a legendary figure.

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