Carers to discuss fears about cuts in services

The Government's decision to scrap the National Carers' Strategy is set to dominate the agenda as the 500 carers from around the country gather in Killarney this weekend.

The Government's decision to scrap the National Carers' Strategy is set to dominate the agenda as 500 carers from around the country gather in Killarney this weekend.

The meeting has been arranged to discuss the level of services available for more than 160,000 people who care for older people and people with disabilities or long-term illnesses.

The Government says the economic environment makes it difficult to commit to major advances in services for carers.

The campaign group Caring for Carers Ireland is warning that existing services must be maintained as an reduction will ultimate increase the burden on the health services.

Carers are estimated to save the health services around €2.5bn every year by looking after their loved-ones at home.