Previous speakers have referred to the carer's allowance. It is disappointing that this scheme is still means tested. I believe the role of carers in society is generally acknowledged. They provide a vital service in keeping family members at home rather than in hospital facilities, thereby saving the State substantial sums of money while caring for their loved ones. It is regrettable that better provision was not made during the boom period of the past six years. I acknowledge that improvements were made, as outlined by Senator Scanlon, but the situation is still not good enough. The opportunity existed for the Government to tackle that issue seriously, but it was passed up.