Labour would end carers’ means test

LABOUR has promised to abolish the means test for carers if returned to power in the summer general election.

Citing statistics from the Department of Social Affairs, party leader Pat Rabbitte said yesterday that less than one-fifth of the country’s 150,000 carers were receiving the allowance because the means test was too severe.

The time had come to change that situation and “recognise carers’ selfless commitment.”