Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister will be aware that there is an enormous need for carers to look after our senior citizens, children and disabled people in the home. Being subject to a means test is an obstacle to bringing carers into the system. Does the Minister agree that a means test in this situation serves no purpose and should be dispensed with as soon as possible?

I am aware that doing so is included in the programme for Government. That is very welcome.

Carers are an invaluable resource to the State and therefore need to be protected and encouraged. Can we ensure that this protection and support and encouragement are provided to carers with the dropping of the means test? In conjunction with our carers, are we committed to employing many more district nurses, for which there are many vacancies in north, south, east and west Kerry? Home carers, district nurses, home helps and respite care are all vital parts of having our health service delivered partly at home. We must finance provision of these services as this system suits patients being at home where they want to be. It is also cheaper and easier to deliver for the State.

We should also drop means testing for disabled person's grants and mobility aid grants. I welcome and acknowledge the recent improvements in this area. I can confirm, for example, that in County Kerry there were only four cases that were over the income threshold last year. I am aware of a case in Killarney whereby a family was shot down for a stairlift. Under the recent changes, they qualified for a grant of €2,150 or approximately 40% of the total cost of the stairlift. The family in question informed me that it was the first time ever they had received any assistance. They have been fighting for services and equipment for their son all their lives. People in such circumstances deserve assistance and getting rid of means testing will be one small way of helping them.

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