Carers report - Carers need professional back-up

SOCIAL Affairs Minister Seamus Brennan will today launch a report under the aegis of the Equality Authority which spells out the issues affecting carers and which highlights the urgency to get this vital sector of community care regularised.

His colleague in Finance, Brian Cowen, may have increased a carer’s allowance by €26 and €30 respectively a week, bringing the top allowance for the over-66s to €200, but it is still hardly a fortune.

Given that, and the fact that the Budget itself merely warranted a “cautious” welcome by care organisations, it is a recognition of sorts of the invaluable role which carers play.