Mark Wall (Kildare South, Labour)

I think we can both agree that the sudden change or cliff edge, as I call it, causes so many problems for so many people who have to leave work, and unfortunately their income drops accordingly. That is the issue that we are trying to raise with the Minister today. In fairness, he has come back to say that he recognises there is an issue and that he will review this as part of the consultation later in the year. Obviously that consultation relates to carers. I know we have already debated the carer's needs and the Minister has mentioned the means test as well. We will not go back over that today. Regarding pay-related carer's benefit, I will offer some support to the Minister in the form of the number of queries we have got in our office. It is important that we all play our part in that review and consultation. Various carers' associations will also want to be part of that consultation because that cliff edge and sudden drop in income, because you have to stay at home and because you cannot earn that income anymore, needs to be addressed urgently. I look forward to debating that and indeed helping the Minister with that consultation later in the year.

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