Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)

Doing so is effectively a form of patronage and has created an entire industry.

Amid the leaks and the conditioning process ahead of the budget, the notion of a diminution of the carer's allowance has been floated. Will the Leader assure the House that that allowance will be left in place? It saves money in terms of institutional care and nursing home subventions. It allows people to stay where they want and it gives carers jobs in their communities. It is effectively cost neutral and the social benefit——