Dáil debates

Thursday, 17 October 2019

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation

 

12:45 pm

Photo of Mary ButlerMary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday, Family Carers Ireland protested outside the gates of Leinster House. I went outside to meet its members. They are on their knees. The word they used was "caged". They feel caged in their own homes when it comes to home support hours and respite hours. They feel there is a postcode lottery for services. Rural isolation and desperation were also mentioned.

Home carers who apply for the carer's allowance are means tested, which results in just one in five carers receiving the allowance. The income disregard in the budget remains at €332.50 per week for a single person. This has left carers upset and angry. While they welcome the extra 3.5 hours that a carer can work, he or she may well be penalised, as the income disregard did not increase. Is this something that the Government can revisit? The opportunity to work an extra 3.5 hours is welcome, but not if it is a financial burden.

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