Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I was one of those who asked on Second Stage that the Minister would advance this matter further and reconsider the means testing of the carer's allowance. I note with interest the figure the Minister is putting on the removal of the means test which will amount to approximately €150 million. Is that the cost of paying the full allowance to the present recipients of a carer's allowance, people who may be on a reduced rate, or is the expectation of what a carer's allowance would cost if a relative of everyone who was being cared for at home received the allowance? From where did the Minister get the sum of €150 million? Is he basing it on bringing all present reduced rate recipients up to the full rate of carer's allowance or on the fact that he would expect thousands of extra successful applications for a carer's allowance?

Regardless of whether the figure is €150 million or more — I suspect it would amount to more to remove the means testing element of the carer's allowance — the issue of a carer's allowance is not just a financial matter. It is a philosophical issue about where we stand in regard to care of the elderly. It is the view of most politicians, and I hope all political parties, that the majority of elderly people, in as far as possible, should be allowed to remain in their own homes and to be looked after by their families. This would be very possible with the additional help of some financial incentive. Given the various reviews that are under way in the Minister's Department, perhaps over the next few months he will consider removing means testing for some carers, not just from a financial perspective but from the point of view of the Government making a strong philosophical statement about what we want for the elderly in our community.

We know from studies and surveys that the majority of elderly people wish to remain at home. In many cases, their families can provide help or assistance. Under the new regulations, neighbours can also qualify for the carer's allowance. It would make a significant difference to a great number of people. It would make very good social policy and social care of the elderly to extend the carer's allowance to the maximum. This can only be done by removing means testing. I concede it would be the only social welfare allowance in the State without a means test. However, it is a unique allowance to provide for our elderly who built up this country and made it what it is. We should not be afraid to invest in the elderly.

I welcome the improvements to date but we need to take this step. It would make a strong philosophical and policy statement on what we as a country think of our elderly. I ask the Minister to put that issue back on the table for discussion in the next couple of months. Notwithstanding that, I genuinely welcome the budgetary advances for carers. The fact that the allowance is now higher than any other allowance is a positive development and a sign of the Minister's commitment in this regard. However, a further step must be taken to remove means testing and bringing many more people within the ambit of the carer's allowance scheme.