Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I just came in on this debate and have not read too much about it. I agree with all the points made, certainly by Senator Bradford, on the home help and carer's allowance. It is all about community and how we can best keep the elderly and those who are not well in their own families, which would be ideal. No doubt the Minister will have great empathy with the points made here this afternoon. Although perhaps not in the short term, the Minister might keep this in mind. We would all like to find ways we can best help the community and improve society by having those people within the environment of their own families and neighbours, who want to help. Many people would benefit from the carer's allowance in this regard. In the long term the Minister might rethink the issue and might include it in her agenda for the future.