John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I do not agree exactly with what Senator McDowell has said. He is correct that the home carer's allowance was introduced as a sop to backbenchers at the time of the introduction individualisation scheme. The Minister has pointed out that its amount at €770 has not been increased since it was introduced. If the proposal I have put forward were to be implemented the Minister says that it would cost €63 million per year. In the context of the efforts these people exert in the home by acting as carers, we should create parity for those who choose that option — in many cases it is not an easy choice to make as it is a selfless thing to do and this should be recognised. The purpose of my recommendation is to achieve a level of parity between those in that position and those in the workforce. For many people there is not an option. I agree with Senator McDowell that it is good for the economy that there are such high levels of participation by women in the workforce. However, this recommendation was designed to address those who do not have that option. The Minister has said we should look for areas from which we can get the €63 million to pay it. With all due respect, that is part of his role as Minister for Finance. There are ample areas where he could find that money. In the overall scheme of the Finance Bill it is a relatively small amount of money and would provide significant relief for those who find themselves in this position.