Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate the Minister of State on her elevation. I wish her good luck. I welcome this motion and I fully support its objectives. Today in Ireland more than half a million people, one in eight, are family carers providing regular unpaid care. These carers form the backbone of Ireland's care provision, yet they often lack the support and recognition they deserve. The long-term intensive nature of their caring role, often without adequate support or recognition, can negatively impact a carer's physical and mental health, financial stability and social integration. The main issue to arise from this is to abolish the means testing completely. It is not right to be means-testing these people. Family carers play a crucial role in our society by providing regular unpaid care to those who need it most. They are the backbone of our care system, often stepping in where the State services cannot reach. Despite their invaluable contribution, carers often lack the support and recognition they deserve. Their work is not only physical and emotionally demanding but it also has significant financial implications. I support this motion 100%.

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