Colm Burke (Cork North-Central, Fine Gael)

I mentioned the growing population and people living longer, but there is the additional problem of people living alone, especially in rural areas. As the Minister will know, having come from a rural constituency, transport costs for someone living alone in a rural area is a matter we have not focused enough on and we need to look at. The cost of getting from A to B, be it ten miles, 15 miles or 20 miles, in a rural area is more expensive. This is one matter we should be considering in terms of the living alone allowance.

Where people look after themselves at home, there is less demand on the State compared to them being in nursing home care. Therefore, it is important that we ensure people can stay in their own homes for the longest possible time and we provide the additional supports they need. With the rising costs in various areas for the household, it is important that that review would continue annually. The one subject we need to look at, especially for people living in rural areas, is that of people living alone and the living alone allowance.

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