It is stated on page 74 of the programme for Government that "Carers are the backbone of care provision in this country". For the carers and their families, the reality is quite different. For example, a person who is caring for someone who is admitted temporarily to hospital will have his or her carer's allowance stopped if the patient is in hospital for 13 weeks or longer, even though in many cases that carer is at the patient's bedside. Many of these cases involve children. Will the Government look at this and make the system more carer-friendly and family-friendly in these cases?

As the Deputy may be aware, we have reviewed the overall scheme for carers. That review is complete. We are intent on providing care for people in the home and making care available to them in the home on a more fair and equitable basis. As part of that commitment, we intend to improve the conditions for carers as well as the provision of care.