Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire agus gabhaim buíochas leis an Cathaoirleach as cead a thabhairt dom an rún seo a chur os comhair an Tí.

The issue of carers and the future development and evolution of the national carers strategy is important. As the Minister knows, there was a 4.1% cut in social welfare which had a profound impact on carers. Carers suffered a cut of €8.80 per week which amounted to approximately €470 per annum. Carers do a lot of work on behalf of the State which is not recognised. We all buy into the idea that more people should be cared for in the family home in their family surroundings. That applies to the elderly, sick and disabled.

The national carers strategy was published to much fanfare and with many promises. Given the economic realities we face, some of it had to be put on hold. One of the final acts of the National Economic and Social Forum was the publication of its home care study which made the very interesting point that there was no uniformity in the packages available. They were dependent upon the county or area in which one was living. If we are serious about the protection of our elderly, Senator Bradford's call on the Order of Business for a constitutional referendum to protect our elders is not a bad idea. I support him in that regard and made that comment before. I am sure the Minister who is a visionary would have a similar view.

I am concerned about a number of issues. The Minister flew a kite regarding pensions a couple of weeks ago. People had concerns before last night's "Prime Time Investigates" programme which were augmented by it and "The Frontline" programme about putting time limits on carers regarding the person for whom they are caring. I do not know how one can put a time limit on showering, drying and dressing an 80 year old person or a person who is disabled.

The issue of the half-rate carer's allowance is one which needs to be addressed. Many carers in receipt of it are concerned. Young carers are also an issue. In Cork, Maria Maher was the national young carer of the year. The HSE, through the National University of Ireland, Galway, published a report some weeks ago which showed that children as young as seven or eight years of age were caring for people. That cannot be sustained.

I hope the home care packages for home helps and carers will be augmented and supported. However, cuts are taking place, despite the fact that the Government and the HSE have stated the number of home help hours is up on the figure for last year. Whether we like it, the provision is inadequate. I hope we will look on this issue as being needs driven, rather than as one that is purely about resources. I understand resources are finite, but if we are really serious about caring for and cherishing all of the people, our elders must be protected and the level of support provided for them enhanced, as illustrated by last night's television programmes.

There is a difficulty with the provision of respite care and emergency cover for those who need it. In the past week I have spoken to families which cannot access respite care or emergency beds. The HSE has a different view on the question of need. I hope, therefore, the Government will give a commitment to carers and home helps. I hope also that the Minister will row back from flying the flag in cutting the old age pension and that resources will be enhanced in the forthcoming budget, with the level of support available for those who need it most being further enhanced.

Carers and home helps save the State a lot of money. If we are serious about protecting all of the people, including our elders, I am sure the Minister's reply will be positive.