Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)

I do not propose to accept the amendment. It is one of the merits of the respite care grant that use of it remains at discretion of carers. The Department does not request accountability as to how the money provided is spent. I would like that flexibility to remain within the scheme.

Caring Before Their Time? — Research and Policy Perspectives on Young Carers, the report published by Barnardos and the Children's Research Centre in September 2004, indicated that of the estimated 3,000 carers providing care at that stage, there were more than 300 carers between 15 and 17 years of age who were providing it on a full-time basis. The report also recommended that further research should be undertaken in respect of the numbers of young carers, the supports available to them, the nature of their needs and the impact of their caring role on their education and general development. It further recommended that policy relating to young carers should be a matter for the Department of Health and Children and that services should be delivered by the Health Service Executive.

Towards 2016 commits the Government to undertaking a study of the extent to which children undertake inappropriate care roles to establish the extent and degree to which this issue arises and the level of impact it has on the lives of the children concerned. It further states that based on the outcome of this study and an analysis of the issues that come to light, a programme of in-home supports will be developed to alleviate specific problem areas identified in respect of children. The Office of the Minister for Children intends to commission this study in 2008 following consultation with the relevant Departments and agencies. Although my Department does not have the lead role in respect of this study, its officials will engage with it as appropriate.

With regard to income supports for young carers, the respite care grant and carer's benefit are payable from age 16 and carer's allowance is payable from age 18. However, special help, advice and support are essential for young carers who are often caring for parents. In particular, services must be put in place to support households and ensure that young carers remain at school. These include the services of home helps and public health nurses and the provision of home care packages generally, which are a matter for the Department of Health and Children and the Health Services Executive. It is through the provision of these health and education services rather than income that we can best support young carers.