Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Many individuals and families are struggling to cope with the cost of living increases, but some are especially heavily burdened. Included in that group are families who support and care for persons with disabilities. Yesterday, Family Carers Ireland launched a report compiled by the Vincentian Partnership that detailed the additional costs to a family caring for an adolescent with a profound intellectual disability. That additional cost is already more than €160 per week and the rising cost of living adds to it.

Will the Government consider taking some short-term measures such as an extension of the fuel allowance for a number of weeks or, crucially, making the carer’s allowance a qualifying payment for the fuel allowance? In the next budget, will tax measures be put in place to support families who care and, in particular, will deaf people and their families be considered for new tax credits and measures?

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