Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 14: In page 21, before section 26, but in Part 3, to insert the following new section:

"26.—(1) The Minister shall, within 3 months of the commencement of this Act, lay before each House of the Oireachtas, a review on the effectiveness of the Fuel Allowance in view of rising energy prices.

(2) The Minister shall, within 1 week of the commencement of this Act, lay before each House of the Oireachtas, a report on the progress of the National Carers Strategy.

(3) The Minister shall, within 3 months of the commencement of this Act, lay before each House of the Oireachtas, a report on the eligibility criteria for the Carers Allowance with a view to recognising and supporting the work of young carers.

(4) The Minister shall, within 3 months of the commencement of this Act, lay before both Houses of the Oireachtas a report on the financial implications of providing Carers with a full rate of Carer's Allowance/Benefit for every person they care for.

(5) The Minister shall, within 3 months of the commencement of this Act, lay before both Houses of the Oireachtas a report on the implications of extending the number of hours a week a Carer may be employed while retaining entitlement to the Carer's Allowance.

(6) The Minister shall, within 3 months of the commencement of this Act, lay before both Houses of the Oireachtas a report considering the implications of awarding PRSI contributions to carers on the same basis as paid contributions so that carers can improve their pension entitlement.".

There are a number of issues in this and I will try to be as brief as possible, particularly on the effectiveness of the fuel allowance. The Minister emphasised that the greatest advantage is the extension of it rather than the €2 increase. That is not adequate. It sounds very dramatic, but there are people who go to bed early because they are too cold to sit up at night. I ask that a report be laid before the House and that research is done to see how people are coping with rising energy costs.

Senator Bradford spoke about carers, who comprise a very disappointed group. The increases they received in the budget are only inflationary. There is not a penny extra for them and they feel let down and betrayed. I insist that a report be produced on the national carers strategy, which has been sought for a long time.

Senator Bradford spoke about the disregard for people who want to work. It is very difficult for carers, who are emotionally and physically worn out. They are exhausted. There is no incentive for them and they are suffering. According to carers, there are 3.5 million unpaid hours. There are 161,000 carers in the country and they are saving the State a significant amount of money by caring for their loved ones. The optimum situation, as Senator Bradford stated, is for people to be able to stay at home. It is a saving and it is foolhardy not to listen to them and consider their views. The Minister stated how much it would cost to have no means test — I cannot remember the figure — but it is something she should look into because in the long run it will cost significantly less to keep a person at home.