Maria Corrigan (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for giving me the opportunity to raise this issue, and I thank the Minister of State for attending in the Chamber. I raise the issue with specific regard to the situation of family members and siblings in particular who spend most of their adult lives together in the same home and the concerns they have for their future. There have been considerable increases in the prices of property in recent years and a number of people have contacted me to inquire what might happen as they approach old age in the event of a sister or brother dying and how it might be possible to retain the family home. Concern has also been expressed about a sibling becoming unwell where a brother or sister would like to be in a position to take care of him or her and receive support for that.

I note that a recommendation was made in the Colley report that a study should be conducted to establish the nature and extent of such situations throughout Ireland and perhaps consider the issues that have arisen. I am not sure whether it is necessary to undertake such a study or if, perhaps, some other mechanism might be employed, but I know there are significant numbers of such families living together throughout Ireland whose members are concerned about the future and their legal entitlements in terms of supports that might be available to them from the State. I would appreciate it if some indication could be given as to when such a study might be undertaken or, alternatively, whether it might be possible for another mechanism to be devised to assess the situation and consider whether any changes to the legislation are needed. Given the proposed civil partnership Bill, I believe some people have been prompted to make contact to see whether their situations might be examined in the light of that legislation with a view to addressing some of the challenges and difficulties they face.