Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

I support Senator McCarthy's amendment. Will the Minister indicate to the House the latest number of full-time carers according to her Department's figures? On the previous occasions figures were collected – approximately two years ago – the number was about 24,000. However, the Carers Association has continually informed colleagues on all sides of the House that the actual figure is about 120,000. A pilot scheme run jointly by the Department of Health and Children and the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs two years ago came up with a figure of 24,000. This is a minimal projection. How many of these are receiving the full rate of carer's allowance?