Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I was at the finance committee yesterday and the bike shed and the various other buildings were discussed. It was frightening to hear some of the figures being put out. I know we will discuss it further, so I will leave it there. I will have my opportunity at committee.

Regarding carers, €20 billion will be saved a year if there is more investment in carers. I acknowledge that the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, has done so much for carers in terms of pensions, other allowances and allowing part-time carers to come into the system. However, we need to look at carers. Many carers provide 24-7 care to their loved ones. They save the €20 billion by keeping people at home. If people had to go into long-term care, it would cost that amount of money. We need to have a wider debate. There was a vote in Dáil last week to do with the removal of the means test for carers. We need to have a wider debate on the issue of carers and how we can provide for them. Many I have seen say that even though they get an allowance, it does not cover all they have to do. I would like to see this explored, and perhaps we can have a debate when the Minister is free in the future.