Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

I assure the Deputy that we are working on the plan and on what will be involved, not only financially but also in other ways, in the context of abolishing the means test, and we will continue to do so.

I also highlight that a great deal of work has been done to support long-term carers. The long-term carer's contribution scheme ensures that people who have been full-time carers for at least 20 years will get contributions to cover the gaps in their records in order to allow them to qualify for the contributory State pension. That is beginning to take effect with carers who would otherwise have lost their contributions and not got any recognition for their work.

We are fully committed to phasing out the means test, but I am conscious that there are other supports and issues we need to improve on. Other Departments also have work to do in supporting carers. This is not just the responsibility of the Department of Social Protection. Other Departments are involved in supporting full-time carers, family carers and those who work in the care industry. Across government, we will be keeping a focus on this.

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