Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I concur with my colleagues in the Chamber. The measures in budget 2022 will bring about positive change to the carer's allowance. Family carers are truly the forgotten front line of this pandemic. This reform to the means test for carer's allowance is a significant step forward. I commend the Minister on introducing this change which will potentially see thousands of family carers qualifying for the payment for the first time. Those in receipt of a reduced rate of carer's allowance due to means should also see their payments increase. We always need to point out and recognise the contribution that carers make and the important role they play in alleviating the pressures on our health service. Can we do more to reduce the financial hardship on family carers?

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