Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister and hope that he will be able to resolve the issues holding this up. The homemaker's scheme, which was only implemented in 1994, will benefit many women in the future but it does nothing for the women who are retired or close to retirement and who spent 20 years or more caring for children. While it may not be appropriate at present to ask the Minister to consider the matter, it would be welcomed if the scheme could be backdated to 1974. By that means, the work done by these women in the home would be recognised. Is that possible and, if so, how much would it cost the State?