Carers claiming to contribute €2bn to economy demand Government support

FAMILY carers claiming to contribute over €2 billion a year to the economy, yesterday demanded a raft of benefits in the upcoming budget.

The Carers Association — representing 150,000 family carers — said many live just above the bread-line.

In a pre-budget submission, the association tells the Government its commitment to a National Strategy for Family Carers fails to go far enough.

“Our new statistics show that family carers provide over 3.5 million hours per week taking care of their loved ones and this work must be supported,” said Enda Egan, CEO of the Carers Association.

“This is an integral part of our health service which needs proper recognition. Family carers regularly come to us feeling stressed, isolated, unsupported and frustrated and we want next year’s budget to begin addressing these difficulties and implement real change.”

The organisation called for comprehensive needs assessments; medical cards and yearly health checks; better benefits payments, with means testing for the Carers Allowance based solely on the carer’s income, and income tax relief for essentials like technical aids, home renovations, medical assistance and products.

“Despite saving the State over €2bn per year, family carers still face many inequalities and many are living just above the bread-line,” Mr Egan said.

“Given Ireland’s increasingly ageing population and the difficulties associated with caring in the home, we would urge Government to seriously consider our recommendations and support family carers in their invaluable role,” he said.