Maria Corrigan (Fianna Fail)

I ask the Minister of State to reconsider this decision. I am aware of the economic constraints and one must be clear that publishing something does not mean that a commitment is being given to its immediate implementation. However, it would demonstrate the State's aspirations and ambitions for the future and that it is prepared to plan for and to carve out a path for that future. Such aspirations are something of which to be proud and not something to be worried or anxious about having out in the public domain. Consequently, I asked the Minister of State to give consideration to this point.

I am highly conscious that Fianna Fáil-led Governments in recent years have put in place terrific supports for carers and it will be important to build on and continue such efforts. The Minister of State spoke of the carer's allowance and in particular regarding the introduction of the half-rate carer's allowance. This was highly important and it also will be important to maintain both the carer's allowance and the half-rate carer's allowance, even though the State faces really tough economic times. I welcome the commitment given in the Chamber today by the Minister of State when she stated "I want to assure the House that the Government, in the context of a very tough budgetary environment, will continue to do its utmost to protect the most vulnerable people in Irish society."

While I am aware there are many demands, I ask the Minister of State to give particular regard to this group of people. I do not mean this in any disrespectful way to anyone else who is obliged to seek financial support from the State through other allowances but there is one clear difference between such assistance and the allowances received by carers. The latter make a contribution to the State in return for the allowance it provides to them. They make an economic contribution and this sets them apart from everyone else who receives an allowance. I do not mean this in any disrespectful way but it is important to make this point. Moreover, in return for the money the Government provides to carers for their contribution to the economy, the State makes savings of multiples of that amount.

I ask the Minister of State to reconsider the habitual residence condition, which is causing severe hardship. There are cases of well-meaning people who leave whatever lives they have established abroad to return home to provide care for their relatives. I repeat that it is extremely important to continue to provide respite and that the existing provisions be built on. Unless such supports are put in place, it will not be possible to maintain at home the people concerned. It therefore becomes a false economy whereby for the sake of saving a few euro for a couple of months, it will end up costing the State a great deal more further down the road. Moreover, it takes away from the quality of life of the person with a disability that it had been possible to put in place in the first place. Consequently, it is completely counter-productive, does not make sense economically and does not help to realise the underlying policy of assisting people to stay at home for as long as possible.

Concerns have arisen in respect of home care packages and my office has been contacted frequently by people who have become concerned on finding their needs are increasing and that they need a little additional support. Such people are afraid to make contact to ask for such support because they fear becoming the subject of a review at which their existing supports will be examined. The story that has come back to them is that rather than resulting in an increase or enhancement of the support, every review thus far has resulted in a diminution of that support.