Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank all the Senators who made contributions on the Order of Business. I, too, acknowledge the presence in the Public Gallery of former Senator Michael Comiskey. I would also like to join the Cathaoirleach in offering sympathies to the families of those tragically killed in the terrible road traffic accident outside New Ross on Monday evening last. Lily Alexander and her husband, Doug, and their two sons, Doug Jnr. and Stephen, a family from the Chicago area of the US, had travelled to Ireland to attend a family funeral. This serves as a timely reminder to us all of the dangers of the roads as we approach the Christmas season. I note that the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Ross, was in the Seanad earlier to deal with a Commencement matter from Senator Gallagher on road safety. Again, I would like to be associated with the expressions of sympathy to the family and extended family of those killed who I understand reside in the US.

In regard to the Order of Business, many Senators, led by Senator Ardagh, and including Senators Kelleher, Conway-Walsh, McFadden, Grace O'Sullivan and Mullen raised the important issue of carers. I acknowledge the "Prime Time" programme last night which showed us the challenges faced by carers on a 24-7 basis. I come from a family that has cared for elderly relatives in the home for the past number of years. I know the challenges of caring for loved ones in terms of commitment and sacrifice. The Government and I acknowledge that more needs to be done for carers at home. In policy terms, there is a move away from institutions but with this comes further demands on community and home care packages. The Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, is working to improve those packages in a comprehensive way.

In terms of the actions already taken by Government in respect of carers: €728 million has been provided for carer's allowance and carer's benefit this year; the Department will pay over €180 million to carers under the carer's support grant scheme, which amounts to €1,700 for each recipient; and €147 million has been provided in 2017 for the domiciliary care allowance. Considerable improvements have been made for carers in recent years. However, I acknowledge that further improvements are needed. I will ask the Leader and the Minister of State, Deputy McGrath, to facilitate a debate in this House on the issue in due course.