Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Carers have had a particularly difficult road during the Covid crisis. In the early days of the emergency, respite services were withdrawn and they are still not back operating at full capacity. Before this virus ever came carers were under enormous pressure, but the curtailment in supports during the past two years has forced many of them to face real burnout. This morning carers took to the airwaves again to highlight their plight.

Incredibly, the Government has failed to prioritise carers for the booster. That happened with the initial vaccine too. It was wrong then and it is wrong now. Carers face the serious risk of passing the virus on to the vulnerable people for whom they care. Without protection, they live in virtual lockdown. When will full respite services be restored and will the Taoiseach ensure carers are made a priority group for the booster?

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