Carers’ means test should be abolished

I WAS saddened recently to see the blocking of an ambitious Labour Party Dáil motion and Private Members’ Bill that would have provided for a range of supports for the 150,000 family carers in Ireland.

The motion called for the right of carers to an assessment of needs, as well as the abolition of the means test for the carers’ allowance. Importantly, the motion called for a shift in resources to home care subvention, as well as the development of a national strategy for carers.

We in Care Alliance welcomed this motion and the subsequent debate that followed in the Dáil. Clearly, with burgeoning exchequer figures, the decision about how to spend this largesse will not be easy.

However, the abolition of the means test for carers’ allowance is a priority for many of our organisations. At present only 22,000 carers receive this payment. At a yearly estimated cost of €180 million, it is achievable, and offers the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the opportunity to show his caring side.

The development of primary care teams, as envisaged by the 2001 health strategy, is also necessary if our nation’s carers are to be adequately supported in their invaluable work.

Liam O’Sullivan

National Development Officer

Care Alliance Ireland

30/31 Lower Camden Street

Dublin 2