A motion has been put forward to replace test with a system based solely on needs of care.
The abolishment of the the means test for the carer's allowance may never come to pass, not because of politicians, but because of the "permanent government".
That's the warning from Roscommon Galway TD Denis Naughten after introducing a motion to replace the current system, with a non-means tested scheme, based solely on the needs of care.
The Independent rep says the government were relatively receptive to the proposal, and he expects many candidates to run on a platform of abolishing the means test in next year's general election.
However, due to an increase in admin costs, he says the civil service will be opposed to the change:
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