John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

This morning, we will hear Ministers and Deputies praise carers for the fantastic work they do and although that praise is justified, carers have, unfortunately, heard it all before from the Government. Carers do not need any more sympathy, kind words, empty rhetoric or plamásing from the Government. They need recognition, support and active help. Carers rightfully feel they have been abandoned by the Government for far too long. Over the past year, many of the supports that were in place have been withdrawn, despite family carers providing increased levels of care. Carers have not had a break or any respite whatever.

Carers are the backbone of our society and the 500,000 family carers provide care to some of our most vulnerable citizens. In doing so, they ensure the person being cared for stays in his or her own home, saving the State approximately €20 billion per year.

This week, I was contacted by a constituent who cares for her husband. She told me she brought him to the Aviva stadium for his vaccination last week as he could not get there himself. She said the majority of other people there receiving their vaccinations were also family carers. All the staff at the Aviva are vaccinated but despite this woman being her husband's vital support system as a family carer, who brings him for many CT scans and arranges his many medical appointments and for him to take his daily medication, she, along with all other family carers, has been completely overlooked and has no idea when she will be vaccinated. The Government must prioritise family carers in the Covid-19 vaccination roll-out.

It is time to stop taking family carers for granted. They are exhausted and need a break. We must see the resumption of day services providing crucial support and relief for families. We must also build up respite capacity, including overnight facilities, and create an emergency talk therapy fund. It is also essential to provide family carers with the financial support they need. It is time to stop talking in platitudes; it is time for action.

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