Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

Late last year I received some representations from people who had problems in this area, but not to the extent that has been put forward by the Fine Gael Party. Perhaps its members tried to stir up difficulties in certain areas. However, there have been some achievements, one of the most important of which is in the area of personal carers for people with disabilities. The position of carers is to be mainstreamed in the Department of Health and Children and the health boards. These people are permanent personal assistants. This is an area that must be considered carefully.

This is a wonderful achievement for the Government which has taken place in difficult circumstances. The Opposition should be delighted with the progress made in this regard. Unemployment is currently at its lowest level for some time. Approximately 400,000 jobs have been created since 1997.