Carers guarantee
Deputy O'Dea pressed for equal support for carers and implementation of the programme-for-Government commitment to a carers’ guarantee. The Taoiseach said the intention was to implement it and that he would meet carers’ organisations that week.
I also wish to be associated with the tributes paid to the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan.
I am sure the Taoiseach will agree with me that this country derives significant benefit from the work done by carers. Unfortunately not all carers are treated equally. In many cases, the backup or ancillary services for carers depend on where you live. There are some parts of the country where such services are hardly available at all. It is a classic example of the postcode lottery.
On page 50 of the programme for Government, there is a specific commitment to introduce a carer’s guarantee that would effectively end that postcode lottery. In fairness, the Government has started to implement this proposal and I understand that the cost will be approximately €5 million per year. Up to €2 million per year is being spent currently. Is it the Government’s intention to fully implement the commitment within its lifetime? It was a specific commitment to a very deserving group of people.
Comment on this
I am sorry. I was not talking over the Deputy. Rather, I was talking to the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, on this important issue to get the most up-to-date information. The short answer is “Yes”. It is our intention, and the Minister of State, Deputy Butler’s intention, to implement that recommendation in the programme for Government. This week, I will meet Family Carers Ireland and Care Alliance Ireland to hear what more they believe we can do in terms of progressing it.