Carers urge Govt not to target half-rate allowance

The Carers' Association is urging the Government not to target allowances for carers in its bid to slash billions of euros in public spending.

The recommendations of An Bord Snip Nua, which are due to be published this afternoon, are expected to include €1.5bn in social welfare cuts.

There are fears that thousands of people who receive the half-rate carers' allowance could lose the payment.

The Carers' Association says this would represent a 30% reduction in income for some people and would fly in the face of the Government's promise not to target the most vulnerable sections of society.