There have been major improvements in the rates of social welfare payments and the free schemes have also been improved and extended. The eligibility criteria for these schemes have been improved, thus increasing the numbers availing of them. We are all conscious of the importance of the carer's allowance scheme which has been mentioned by most speakers. This scheme has enabled thousands of people to be cared for at home, who would otherwise have to be hospitalised or cared for in nursing homes. While the eligibility conditions for the carer's allowance scheme have been eased in recent years, I am sure the Minister agrees that further improvements are necessary. We are all aware of applications that narrowly fail to meet the criteria. I hope, therefore, that the Minister will be able to improve income limits and payment rates, and further relax the residency requirements.