Carers’ allowance system must be updated, says group
The Carers Association urged the Government to step up its plans for a national strategy to deal with the issue of people requiring long-term home care.
The association’s chief executive Enda Egan said: “The Government needs to acknowledge and recognise the work of carers and their value to society”.
He said carers, including tens of thousands of unpaid workers, are saving the exchequer €2 billion each year.
“Investing in carers will save the country a lot of money further down the road,” he said.
“Otherwise, failure to do so will lead to future Governments having to invest in major capital expenditure schemes such as hospitals and community homes.”
Mr Egan’s comments came as Budget 2004 improvements to carers’ allowance came into force yesterday.
A spokesperson for the Department of Social and Family Affairs said carer scheme payments topped €183 million last year. On the issue of a national strategy, the spokesperson said the preparation of a consultation document is progressing.
Currently, 21,288 carers are in receipt of allowances which are means-tested.
According to the Carers Association, an estimated 150,000 people provide care on a full-time or part-time basis in this country.
“Any increase in the carers’ allowance is welcome but it’s only a drop in the ocean in terms of the service provided,” said Mr Egan. “We believe the current system has outlived its usefulness and the Government has to move quickly to properly reward carers.”
