Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I rise to plead with the Government to do something meaningful to help family carers. I am wearing their badge. It is a small token of what I can do. In successive budgets they have not received the recognition they deserve, especially when it comes to getting payments such as fuel allowance. There are strict criteria. Carers play an important role in keeping people in their homes where they are happier and live longer and where they do not block up badly overcrowded emergency departments or hospital beds. Family and child carers are in a very difficult situation looking after loved ones. Family carers need special supports in the budget because of the cost of living, the cost of oil and the cost of travelling to people's homes. I salute them and the dedicated work they do. Will the Government please give them the due recognition they so richly deserve in the budget? I sympathise with Catherine Cox on her recent bereavement. She is an organiser.

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