Labour seeking abolition of means test for carers’ allowance

The Labour Party is challenging the Government to live up to its new compassionate image by approving measures to help carers.

The party is due to table a Dáil motion today calling for abolition of the means test for the carers' allowance.

An estimated 150,000 Irish people provide unpaid home help to needy relatives, friends and neighbours.

Labour spokesman Willie Penrose said Exchequer figures published yesterday showed that the Government had plenty of money to spend.

Mr Penrose said the Government's response to today's Dáil motion would be the first test of its new caring image announced at the recent Fianna Fáil parliamentary party think-in in Inchydoney, Co Cork.