Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive response. I commend our carers the length and breadth of the country on the work they do. We are deeply indebted to them. I acknowledge the huge effort being put into resolving this issue by the Minister of State, Deputy Butler. I recognise that. I welcome the fact that the advisory group will conclude its work and publish its recommendations in September, which is only a few months away. Now that the hours have been allocated, it is vitally important that we recruit the people to carry out that work. The model of allocating funds to families directly to spend as they see fit is key. The recruitment of workers is a challenge across the entire economy, as the Minister of State is aware. It is key that the money is allocated to the families who are best placed to provide the care. If the families cannot provide the care themselves, they might know others in their communities who can do it. It is a key component in trying to resolve the staffing crisis.