Michael McCarthy (Labour)

I want to raise the issue of the two reports published yesterday dealing with the financing of long-term care for the elderly, that is, the expenditure review of the nursing home subvention scheme, and the study of future financing of long-term care. These are comprehensive reports which point to a number of issues and technicalities relating to this area. One indicates that the number who have availed of the nursing home subvention scheme since it began in 1994 has grown from more than 3,000 to 8,300. The other highlights four ways in which future care for the elderly can be financed. These include private insurance, for example, or a general increase in taxation, savings from the individuals being cared for, including their homes and, most alarmingly, an increase of 1.5% in the level of PRSI to finance this level of care in the future.

The report also highlights an issue we have debated at length in this House, that is, the abolition of the means test for carers. It is high time carers received the assistance that they need from the State. The report highlights this deficiency in the system. I welcome the recent announcement by the Minister of State, Deputy Callely, that he is willing to consider abolishing the means-test for carer's allowance. I ask the Leader of the House to arrange for a debate on the issue. I am aware we are taking statements on disability this afternoon and thank the Leader for arranging them. However, it would be worthwhile to debate the merits of these reports.