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Seanad
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Carers and bike shed costs

Summary

Senator Byrne notes alarming figures discussed at committee about the bike shed and calls for greater investment in carers, while welcoming existing supports.

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 the 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.

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