A call for the abolition of means tests for carer's allowances was made yesterday in the resumed private member's debate on carers and disability.

Mr Willie Penrose (Labour, Westmeath) said that there were 100,000 carers in Ireland and only about 15,000 actually qualified for a carer's allowance.

He called for the removal of the means test "lock, stock and barrel". A Government amendment approving its policy on the provision for carers and disability was carried by 71 votes to 64.