FG: Young carers forced out of school

Fine Gael's Social and Family Affairs spokesman David Stanton has claimed that young people are dropping out of school to care for relatives.

Deputy Stanton said that around 7% of young carers spend more than 43 hours a week away from school looking after sick or elderly family members.

Almost 3,000 young carers in Ireland do not receive any assistance or support from the State, according to the opposition party.

Mr Staunton said that he wants to see the Government address the situation and put a mechanism in place to allow young carers to finish their education.