Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)

I support the motion. In my constituency of Tipperary and across the nation, family carers are the unsung heroes who provide unwavering support to their loved ones, which often requires great personal and financial sacrifice. These carers, numbering more than 500,000, save the State an estimated €20 billion annually - imagine that figure - through their unpaid labour yet many are subjected to a means test that is both outdated and completely unjust and which disqualifies them from essential supports. While budget 2025 increased the income disregard thresholds, this measure falls short of the comprehensive reform needed. It is imperative that we move towards abolishing this means test. I compliment Councillor Richie Molloy, the manager of south Tipperary carers, all of the managers and all of the carers who provide such wonderful care.

Furthermore, the issue of home support services remains pressing. Despite an allocation of €830 million for home support in 2025, there are still over 6,000 individuals languishing on waiting lists. Think about that; there are 6,000 individuals languishing on a waiting list. It beggars belief. This shortfall is not due to a lack of funding but stems from recruitment and retention challenges within the sector. What are we doing to address these challenges? We are not doing very much. These challenges have been ongoing for a number of years now. Carers are doing a good job. We need rationalisation and recruitment so that we will have staff. Along with every other TD, I regularly get calls from people who have been approved for home help but there is no one to do the job. The HSE sees the box as ticked. That is not acceptable.

We must also address the dire need for respite services. A recent report indicates that nearly three quarters of carers have never received any form of respite. This is totally unacceptable. Implementing a minimum respite guarantee would provide much-needed relief to these dedicated individuals. We are currently not treating these carers with the dignity they deserve. They are saving the State a fortune and, in return, the State is abusing their goodwill by not providing them with decent services.

I urge the Government to take decisive action, to abolish the means test for carer's allowance, to standardise pay across all care sectors and to ensure timely access to home support and respite services. Our carers deserve recognition, respect and robust support but, unfortunately, they are not getting them.

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