Jen Cummins (Dublin South Central, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghabháil leis an Labour Party as an rún seo. Fáilte to all the young carers, those from Family Carers Ireland who are in the Visitors Gallery and those watching. I support this crucial motion because for too long, young carers in this country have been invisible as they work in their homes providing vital assistance to loved ones in their families and communities. The sacrifices they make go unrecognised, their struggles are unheard and their futures are put at risk all because we have failed to give them the support they desperately need. At times, they are filling a gap that the State has failed to resource.

Young carers in Ireland, some of whom are as young as ten years old, take on responsibilities well beyond their years. They look after their parents, siblings and other family members who are ill, have disabilities or mental health difficulties, or are struggling with addiction. They are the hidden backbone of thousands of households, stepping up when no one else does, yet what do they get in return?

As several Members have said, there are 67,000 young carers in Ireland according to 2008 figures, but that has probably increased. How many of those households are being failed by the State because it has fallen on young children to take on the burden of care? Those of us who were in attendance in the audiovisual room today heard four absolutely amazing young people speak about their experiences of being young carers. They are brilliant but it was heartbreaking to hear of their isolation, loneliness and exhaustion and the lack of support. However, I saw the light when they talked about being involved in Family Carers Ireland. They really felt supported, so well done to the adults who support them. I come from an education background and years ago I saw young carers being supported. In one of the schools I worked in as part of the school completion programme, there was a group for young carers which was absolutely lovely. Those young people were cared for and that gave them the ability to care for others. If no one is looking after you, how can you care for others?

I was struck by what was said today about the schools not being clear and not knowing or there being a lack of understanding. The young people sit exams and the teachers and SNAs know they are carers but it does not matter what is going on at home if they have to have an assignment in, it still had to be in on time. Yet, they have many other pressures that other students perhaps do not have. I was struck by that. It is down to the Department of Education to give schools clear, direct and appropriate guidance on how to support children and young people who are carers and attending our schools.

I was struck as well that there is no dedicated Government programme to support young carers and no recognition by the Department of Social Protection. The means test for carer's allowance which has been brought up several times today, and other supports actively punish young adult carers who want to pursue an education or employment. I was struck by the young person who is in college. How fair is it that he has that worry all the time in the back of his mind? He described the worry he has about how long it would take to get home if something went wrong at home. It is a constant worry so it is hard to think of anything else. Anyone here who has had a sick family member - I have had a few in recent years - will know it takes up every part of your being. You cannot think about anything else. For young people who are trying to get through school or college, that is a huge problem. We need to recognise our young carers. They are a priority but have not been recognised for a long time. This motion is not only about a policy. It is about fairness, dignity and giving these young people the future they deserve. I hope the Government listens and takes the urgent action these young people deserve.

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