Would the Minister of State agree with me that it is time to review urgently the means test for carer's allowance? The income limits are far too low. Furthermore, there is nowhere near enough flexibility when applicants are marginally over the income threshold. Time and again, carers who give every second of their day to look after loved ones are caught between a rock and hard place. There needs to be more flexibility shown by the Department.

I have to give the Minister the example of Dolores, who is from west Cork. She absolutely adores her son Timmy. She would do anything for him and gives every second of her day to making sure he is comfortable. However, she has been turned down for a full-time carer's allowance payment. She has appealed the decision time and again and she continues to be turned down. In essence, she has inherited an asset which is of no monetary value to her whatsoever. She needs support. Could the Minister work with the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, so that someone from her office can reach out to Dolores and help her? If the system was ever intended to benefit anyone, it is Dolores.

I thank Deputy O'Sullivan. In all of our constituency work, we meet a Dolores and Timmy and are reminded of the huge sacrifice and care that is delivered in looking after loved members of families who need additional support. I am sure after the Deputy has raised this matter that efforts will be made to contact Dolores and Timmy, in conjunction with the Deputy, to see if help can be given. Regarding his point on a review of the means test limit for carer's allowance, that is looked at in every budget. It is regularly raised with my Department by the Department of Social Protection. I am sure that will happen in the forthcoming budget, where it will be assessed in light of the issues the Deputy has raised.