Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Tonight, we ask the Government to listen to the voices of carers, who are stretched beyond their means and have been left to their own devices by Minister after Minister. Carers throughout this State have to fight tooth and nail for services they should be entitled to. The State takes their work for granted and that is reflected in the lack of State assistance. In its most recent report, Family Carers Ireland found that 49% of carers were paying through the nose for private services they should have access to through the public system. As my colleagues said, 72% of those who took part in the report stated they had received no respite. A total of 34% said they did not have suitable accommodation for the needs of those they care for, while 69% of carers find it difficult to make ends meet. Time and again, carers' cries for assistance go unheard. This is a complete failure of the Government.

We are asking for carers to be treated with fairness. We are asking that they get the support they are entitled to. The Government needs to back this motion and begin to take real action that supports carers. The Minister of State can do just that by reviewing the carer's allowance means test and committing to at least minimal respite. These measures would go some way to easing the burden on carers, who are suffering tonight throughout this State.

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