Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The habitual residency condition is eligible under the European laws but it is not necessarily required in the sense that we are able to have nuanced policies in this regard. The Minister listed the kind of criteria used to establish habitual residency, such as length of living somewhere else and length of living in Ireland. The criteria even include future intentions. Often, when people come home, they might think they are only coming home for six months, but it can become permanent. I hope the Minister will look to address certain situations. If people are in a situation where they are caring for a relative and come home to do so, how might they fit with regard to the habitual residency condition? Crucially, is there an opportunity in two years' time for people? If they come home and do not initially qualify for the allowance because they do not meet the habitual residency condition, could we ensure that they are encouraged to apply again if they find themselves still in that situation in two years? Even though that period would not be in the PRSI system, could those two years be recognised?

Some people come, look for support once, do not get it, and then stay outside of the system until they often find themselves in old age and poverty. There may be scope for looking at how that process applies in this particular circumstance and ensuring that those who might not qualify initially are given an appointment or encouragement to come back to be reassessed for the period of care they have done, even though it would not be recognised by carer's allowance or carer's benefit, and recognised as part of their substantial connection to the State.