Colm Burke (Cork North-Central, Fine Gael)

My concern in regard to carer's allowance is the fact that the population is aging. Thankfully, people are living longer. The last census showed 832,000 people aged over 65 living in the country. Within the next four years, that figure will reach 1 million. The cost of nursing home care is at least €1,100 per person per week. Regarding long-term planning for the carer's allowance, it is important that we plan not just for today or tomorrow but for the next five to ten years. How proactive is the Department in looking at that plan and the number of people who will require care? The figure will increase dramatically over the next five to ten years.

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