Johnny Mythen (Wexford, Sinn Fein)

In the programme for Government, it states that the Government is committed to the abolition of the carer's means test. We in Sinn Féin have been calling for this for a very long time. The Government declares itself to recognise the enormous contribution that family carers make to Irish society, yet applying the means test to careers is an unfair and regressive policy. Over 70% of carers are currently under enormous pressure to provide the most basic things like food and clothing. We are always aware of the enormous bill this State would have to face if these carers decided to withdraw their services. It is quoted at €20 billion. When you compare this figure to what it would cost to abolish the carer's means test, it is pittance.

I had a case in my own constituency of Wexford of a man who ran his own small business, who retired to look after his wife. She has dementia. He was €10 over the threshold. His only hope came from Family Carers Ireland, which provided him with one hour a week for respite. In that precious hour, he did his weekly shopping and his banking business. I know another woman who looked after elderly mother but she had to take up cleaning jobs to get by. She is totally exhausted by the end of the week as she looks after a young family as well. Surely these citizens deserve better?

There are 611,000 family carers in the State, 16,000 of them in my own County Wexford. They are the unseen and often forgotten about workforce. This State would fold in the morning if they decided to quit. Very often, these carers must leave their jobs to look after their loved ones who are sick, who have a disability or who are stroke victims, leaving them financially worse off. Some must take up part-time jobs while juggling their hours to fit around their caring duties, with no hope of respite. The fact is that carers fall far short of the established minimum standard-of-living income.

It is time to abolish the carer's allowance means test. We have to look after the people who look after our sick, elderly and people with disabilities. They have sacrificed their own careers, social lives and hobbies and often face long bouts of loneliness. I thank the Social Democrats for bringing this motion forward at this crucial time ahead of the budget next week.

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