Let’s not turn a blind eye to the plight of carers

THIS country experienced awful times when, among other things, the abuse of children was ignored. Shamefully, we now hide behind the excuse that it was the culture of the times.

Let us hope that this generation will not again turn a blind eye to the abuse of another powerless group among us: the 150,000 silent carers who provide full-time nursing and assistance to family members and others who are severely handicapped or suffering long-term illness.

In most cases, these wonderful people work 365 long days every year in appalling conditions with little or no financial support, no rights and no holidays or respite. This is serious abuse of a vital but very vulnerable group who dearly need our support.