'We don't feel valued': Family carers demand better financial support

The Committee heard John Dunne, CEO of Carers Ireland, say that the government needed to increase the Carers Allowance to €325 per week in Budget 2023.

Family carers broke down in front of an Oireachtas Committee, with one mother telling members: "I certainly do not feel valued", as the government was urged to overhaul financial supports.

Niamh Ryan, a full-time carer to her son, Liam, told the Joint Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development that her Carer's Allowance was slashed by €90 in March, despite the rising cost of living. She said she had never received a full carer’s allowance because her husband is working.