FG hits out at bar on carers’ benefit

THE Government’s decision to bar Irish people returning from abroad access to the carers’ allowance was condemned by Fine Gael last night.

The party’s immigration spokesman Denis Naughten said the decision was causing suffering to those who have had to come back to the country to care for elderly or sick relatives. He said missionaries were among those falling foul of rules stating a person has to reside in the country for the previous two years to receive the payment.

“The Government has slammed the door in the face of Irish people who have returned home to care for an elderly or sick relative by refusing them access to the carers’ allowance.