Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Family carers represent one eighth of the Irish population and have long been the cornerstone of care provision in the country. Whether it is caring for an ageing parent, a spouse with a chronic illness or a child with special needs, these remarkable individuals demonstrate unwavering commitment day in and day out.

The means test for carer's allowance is no longer fit for purpose and is significantly gender biased. Despite improving in recent years, the carer's allowance means test remains one of the most contentious issues among family carers. With an ageing population, it is estimated that the number of people living with life-limiting conditions will increase the requirement for carers. Yet, we only have to read The State of Caring 2022 report, which was produced by Family Carers Ireland, to see the significant challenges faced by family carers, including the battle in accessing services and carers themselves feeling unvalued by society. The solution is clear. The carer's means test must be abolished. It is an outdated, unfair, unjust system that fails to recognise the full extent of the contribution carers make to our society.

Instead of penalising carers for their income, we should adopt a needs-based system that provides financial supports based on the level of care required, not on carers' household income. We must recognise that caring for a loved one is an act of compassion that should be supported, not punished. By abolishing the means test, we can empower carers to continue their vital work without fear of financial hardship. We can give them the recognition they deserve and financial security they need to focus on what truly matters, that is, the well-being of those they care for.

Let us stand together in solidarity with carers across Ireland. Abolishing means tests would bring Ireland more in line with international best practice that shows a commitment to valuing the essential role of carers. In places like Australia and the UK, more generous carer supports systems are in place, allowing carers to access financial aid without facing stringent income restrictions. Let us act with compassion and urgency to reform our welfare system. Let us ensure that every carer receives the support they need to continue their essential work without fear of financial hardship or discrimination. The proposal to abolish means testing for carers is aligned with the call by the Family Care Ireland, which has long advocated reform to better support carers, and will make a significant step towards acknowledging and supporting the vital work of family carers in our society. Overall, there is a strong need to abolish the carer's means test in Ireland because it unfairly burdens carers, creates financial inequality and underestimates the vital contribution of carers. The abolishment of the carer's means test is not just a matter of policy; it is a matter of morality and justice. It is a testament to our value as a society and our commitment to caring for those most in need. Let us work together for a future in which carers receive recognition, respect and support.

For many carers who care for a child with additional needs, their caring role is likely to last for decades, which has serious implications for their long-term well-being and financial support. Carers are discouraged to work or study for more than 18.5 hours. Carer's allowance is the only social welfare payment where recipients are expected to work full-time for 35 hours and in return receive just €16 more than the basic welfare rate. That is not fair. A number of people come into my constituency offices looking for places in nursing homes and cannot get them because there are a lot of people in nursing homes who should not be there. They have no-one to mind them in their own homes. A number of people are not being discharged from hospitals because they have nowhere to go home.

This motion is a win-win for everybody. Carers save this country not thousands but millions of euro every year. The people who want to be carers are loving and many of them are looking after their families and everything else. It is a lifetime job and commitment. It makes sense that we abolish the means test. I hope this will be reflected in the upcoming budget.

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