John Paul O'Shea (Cork North-West, Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister's response and thank him for outlining the plans to phase out the means test for carer’s allowance over the lifetime of the Government. Furthermore, I acknowledge the implementation of increased disregards for the carer’s allowance in recent months. This has assisted many carers to get an increased allowance or, indeed, to qualify for one for the very first time. The phasing out of the means test will send a powerful message that Ireland recognises the irreplaceable work of carers and that we will not place unnecessary barriers in the way of those who give so much of themselves. These carers make enormous personal sacrifices. They often have to step back from work, set aside career ambitions and reconfigure their entire lives around the need of their loved ones. They do so not out of duty but out of love. Their work is immeasurable in human terms but also has undeniable social and economic value. I acknowledge that changes like this take time, that they require significant resources and that they must be implemented carefully. I believe, however, that there is a strong recognition on the part of the general public and the Government of the need to improve support for carers.

See this speech in context