Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish everybody a very happy International Women's Day. The reason I wish to speak about it is I have been working with many female carers, many of whom are agency workers. With the war going on and the increasing cost of fuel, they find the cost involved in driving from A to B is not making it very effective for them to work.The costs involved in driving from A to B is making working untenable for them and by the time they pay tax and so on, they are saying they would be far better off on social welfare. However, they do not want to claim social welfare but want to go out to work. It is time for a debate on carers and how we can help them. I have written to the Minister of State, Deputy Butler to highlight this issue. I ask for a debate to be scheduled as soon as possible on carers.

I agree with Senator Ahearn that the Minister for Transport is to be complimented on letting money be provided for the road from Limerick to Waterford through Cahir. It is most welcome. I also compliment all of the councillors from Limerick down to Waterford who took a unified approach to the issue. I congratulate all involved and thank the Minister for announcing this most welcome funding. It will be beneficial to a lot of businesses and will greatly assist in the development of the region.