The charity is holding it's annual National Respite Weekend in Cork this year.

A new report shows the majority of social workers back the idea of court-imposed removal orders to protect an adult from abuse and Banning Orders against those who pose a risk.

The report from Family Carers Ireland that supports 355,000 family carers shines a light on a hidden aspect of care-giving seldom discussed.

Brigid Flanagan is a family carer but she also wants to be a mother to her three children, something that is impossible because of her youngest child's severe health problems.

Family Carer's Ireland are renewing their call for a €110 million increase in the home supports budget in Budget 2020.

The body which reviews the deaths of children known to care services has urged the government to address the lack of adequate mental health services after outlining how it has been a factor in some of the cases it has reviewed.

The figure is one of the findings from research carried out by Family Carers Ireland, ahead of its pre-Budget submission today.

Carers in Ireland are saving the State up to €10bn annually, according to Family Carers Ireland, which holds its national fundraising event today.

One of the most challenging and rewarding occupations is care-giving.

Cash-strapped organisations providing care to thousands of people with disabilities are being “coerced” into hiding the true cost of delivering services, the Oireachtas health committee has been told.

A Meath mum who survives on just four hours sleep a night as she provides 24-hour care for her daughter has called for reforms in the next budget to recognise the roles of full-time parent carers.

An online organisation which has more than 22,000 members has said it is “concerned” about Department of Social Protection plans to recommence reviews of the Domiciliary Care Allowance.

The tax rebates, which could be worth over €4,000 over four years currently stands at €1,500, according to Taxback.ie.

Private homecare services provider Bluebird Care is warning of a nationwide staffing crisis if the Government doesn’t move fast on funding solutions, writes Pádraig Hoare.

Harry, 13, and Molly Flynn, 11, are the best big brother and sister in the country - they helped their younger sister Isabelle, aged seven, who was told she would never walk, to not only crawl, but to dance too. The pair has also saved their sister's life a number of times.

Brenda O’Connell Barry from Charleville in Cork cares for her 4-year-old son Fionn who suffers from NACC1.

Cork CarePlus Carer of the Year Brenda O’Connell-Barry looks after her son Fionn, who has an extremely rare illness.

Nursing home providers have welcomed a call by a junior minister that care for the elderly should be overhauled over the next two decades and retirement villages rolled out.

The government has been criticised over the long delays in processing carers allowance applications.

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Finance Michael McGrath has said thousands of families may be missing out on tax relief of up to €1,500 per year because they are not aware of the Home Carer Tax Credit.

There are now more than 15,000 carers aged 65 and over, including three people who are almost 100.

The Government will have to find €55m next year to cover the cost of fixing the 2012 pensions anomaly relating to carers who took time out of their careers.

The association representing home carers says we cannot afford not to invest in the service.

More than 110,000 carers will receive a grant of €1,700 today to help in providing full-time care.

The State’s healthcare watchdog found that three centres for people with disabilities run by Stewarts Care failed to protect residents from harm.

A group of campaigners for families with children seeking or receiving domiciliary care allowance (DCA) has taken issue with the time taken to process applications.

An only child, Maureen Lowndes became her mother’s carer after her elderly father died. The endless duties made her bitter and suicidal, and damaged her life, she writes.

Government plans to extend GP visit cards for 40,000 family carers are coming under fire.

A significant number of elderly people are not getting access to services they are entitled to.

The Government should rethink tax cuts for high earners and instead increase support for carers who cannot get respite, according to Fianna Fáil.

Some 200,000 people care for loved-ones in Ireland. Among them is Jack Brennan, an 84-year-old who cares for his beloved wife, Bernie. She has Alzheimer’s disease and cannot even perform the most basic tasks.

I have one issue. My right to die at a time of my own choosing in company of my own choosing, writes Terry Prone.

Mary McDonnell, who spent 54 years caring for her daughter, tells Noel Baker that you never become an ‘ex-carer’.

A recent ERSI report highlighted a huge increase in demand for home care assistants.

Tracy McGinnis has been told that she isn’t eligible for a low cost mortgage from her local county council because she’s 'not working' as her only income is the carer's allowance and other benefits, writes Victoria White.

According to the latest figures, over 4% of the population are carers and 3,800 are under 15 years of age.

The State’s health care services watchdog is urging the Government to “prioritise” the development of a regulatory system for home care.

Mona Lynch has been a close friend of Mary McDonnell’s for nearly half a century. Currently studying an MA in creative writing at the age of 76, she writes about the life Mary has had, and what the future might hold for her and her daughter, Sinead. 

Sinead has cerebral palsy and Mary provides 24/7 care. Mary gets a half carer’s allowance of €122 per week. She says respite care lost in 2015 has not been adequately replaced.

It’s an image that captures a lifetime — a mother standing at her daughter’s bedside and time slowly ticking by.