Colette Kelleher (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I would like to congratulate the Cathaoirleach on his election last week. I would also like to extend my condolences to those killed in Orlando.

It is carers' week, and we are all endorsing the great work that carers do. It is all very fine to talk about that, but it is another thing to provide proper support. Some 63% of people with dementia are living at home and are primarily cared for by the carers of whom we speak. We know that those diagnosed with dementia would like to live at home, but their carers would like some help. Until such time as we put home care on a similar statutory basis to the fair deal scheme for residential care, we will continue to have budgets that are inadequate and people who cannot access that level of care. At some point I hope to get cross-party support in the House for the establishment of a fair deal scheme for home care, so that we are not just saying nice words and patting carers on the head. I want us to do something practical for carers and those for whom they are caring. We know from reports that people have a preference for care at home.