Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

If we are to judge a government by how it treats its most vulnerable, and in turn those who care for the most vulnerable, then how can we judge this Government?

For far too long, the voices of family carers have been completely overlooked and ignored. Day in, day out, including on the doors before the recent local and EU elections, they tell us how they feel pushed aside and abandoned by the Government. They tell us they are burdened by enormous strain and pressure, with little or no hope for respite or relief.

These experiences are borne out in the report entitled The State of Caring, which paints a bleak reality. It is a damning indictment of this Government's record and, indeed, the records of successive Governments. The report echoes the persistent struggle highlighted by so many. Families and carers are pushed to the brink. One issue the report consistently highlights is the lack of respite. Despite it being absolutely essential, 72% of family carers surveyed had never received respite. In Meath, we have a chronic shortage of respite services. At least 200 families are on a waiting list. The system is at breaking point and it is grossly unfair. This is an issue I have raised consistently with the Minister. While it was confirmed last June that increased funding had been made available to secure additional respite capacity in the county, no capital funding was made available. The State continues to outsource its responsibility. Third-party providers find it difficult to find buildings and even harder to find staff. The money, €1.6 million, is very welcome, but money itself is not enough. It must be translated into services but this is just not happening. Funding is allocated and is welcome but 12 months later, there are no additional respite services in County Meath. That is what actually matters.

We must listen to the lived experiences of family carers. We must incorporate their knowledge into the solutions we put forward. I urge the House to support tonight's motion and Sinn Féin's plan to deliver urgent reform, including a respite guarantee and increased payments for all carers in order that they will be adequately supported.

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