I welcome the chance to talk about one of the most important issues facing Northern Ireland: the future of social care. There is no doubt that the system that we have is far from perfect. In fact, with still rapidly growing demand being increased by a rapidly ageing population, it is imperative that we take action now to get ahead of that while we can. Thankfully, when looking at the 48 proposals for reform that were revealed as part of the 2022 public consultation, I was glad to see the emphasis that is being placed on increasing not only the quantity of social care but the quality.

Without our social care workers, we simply would not have any provision. That is why our social care workforce is and remains one of the most important groups of all. That workforce allows our older people to remain at home. For those who cannot, social care workers are essential in supporting them to live well with their non-clinical needs. Any one of us who has had family members receive that care will have seen at first hand just how tirelessly our social care staff work day and night to provide quality care to many of the most vulnerable. That is especially true in constituencies such as mine, Fermanagh and South Tyrone. Every day huge numbers of people are assisted, regardless of whether they live in towns or at the bottom of any of our long and meandering farm lanes.

Of course, there is also a very important crossover between working in health and working in social care. Without the providers and workforce that we have, our hospitals simply could not or would not function. Whilst patient flow through our hospitals is often a problem, the situation would be even worse were it not for our social care system, which often goes above and beyond. That is why I very much support the key proposals to improve pay and terms and conditions for the social care workforce.

Yet, none of us, I am sure, are oblivious to the remaining challenges that are weighing down the sector. That is why I was glad that, earlier this year, a further cash injection was made. Unfortunately, however, despite the growing demand for social care, the Health budget that was agreed earlier this year fell far short of the recognised levels of need. Nevertheless, I absolutely recognise that the solutions are not dependent solely on funding.

We know that some aspects of the current system do not work in the way that we need them to. To address that, we need to look more widely at how social care is organised, commissioned, delivered and led. In addition, I especially welcome the previous consultation's focus on including greater powers to regulate and inspect independent sector providers of care. Every year, the role of independent sector provision becomes more important. Those powers must be seen not as a detriment to that provision but as something that works in the interests of everyone, including service users, providers and, fundamentally, those who pay for the service, be that individuals, families or the state.

I return to the fundamental issue of the workforce, because, without it, we would have nothing. That is why that issue is so important for the long-term sustainability of the sector and why it has to be tackled. I hope that the House sends a unanimous message today that social care is a good, rewarding and incredibly important career. I look forward to seeing reforms in the time ahead that further strengthen and stabilise our social care workforce and the sector as a whole.