I give a warm welcome to the yellow bellies. Fáilte isteach, ladies.

For all of the Taoiseach's big talk about phasing out the carer's allowance means test over five years, we got the truth of his position in last week's budget. Instead of allocating the €133 million that would be required for this phase-out, only €10 million was allocated for next year. At this rate, it would take 30 years to remove the means test under a Fine Gael-Fianna Fáil Government.

He gave his word to carers to abolish the means test. How can he so brazenly go back on his word?

We have committed to ending the waiver over the lifetime of this Government, which is five years and five budgets. We made a significant start on this occasion which will enable us to do it in five years. We have significantly increased the income disregard. It is the highest ever. If you look at some of the income levels now entitled to the carer's allowance when compared with some years ago, it is quite extraordinary in itself. It is a 60% increase. A single carer can earn just over €54,000 per year and receive a full carer's payment. The income disregard for a couple increased by €750 to €2,000 per week. A person caring in a household where their partner earns up to €108,000 a year will receive a full carer's payment. These are the largest ever increases in the carer's income disregard. We will be in a position to fulfil our programme for Government and manifesto commitments.