Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach for the opportunity to speak on this motion regarding support for carers, which I fully support. The way family carers are treated in this country is disgraceful. Sadly, carers are penalised despite the fact they provide the State with a vital service. Family carers play an extremely important role in care provision but completely lack any recognition for the work they do and are given almost no support. Caring is the only job that costs money to do, with carers facing additional weekly costs of €244 according to Family Carers Ireland. Caring is also the only job that does not allow for sick days, with carers afraid to take time off when they are unwell, fearing their allowance might be stopped.

I wholly support the motion's call to abolish the means test for carers altogether. It is estimated that removing the means test would cost an additional €397 million. However, carers already save the State €20 billion a year, and this needs to be recognised and compensated adequately. It is unfair that carers are not paid for the work they do. In my constituency, Donegal, there are almost 10,700 unpaid carers, or 6% of the county's population. The carer's allowance is also extremely outdated and gender biased. As we know, the majority of family carers are women. It is they whom we rely on to provide care and it is they whom we are failing to support. Carers are forced to be financially dependent on their partner, and this is a very vulnerable position to put anyone in, not least if they are involved in a difficult or abusive relationship. If the Government really valued women and the role of carers in this country, it would not have poured energy and money into a confusing referendum but would overhaul the carer's allowance and make it accessible to everyone who provides care in this country, which is the way it could show its bona fides in providing for carers.

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