Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I concur with the Cathaoirleach's comments on, and tribute to, Mr. Tom Burke. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Yesterday was European Carers Day. It was intended, "to coordinate and foster national efforts to raise awareness of carers’ issues under a pan-European structure". We have had debates on the value and importance of carers and the key role they play. They are the unsung heroes around the country. Every family is different. Some families can rally around if they have the numbers to look after loved ones, while some people may be on their own trying to look after a loved one alongside the pressure of everything else that they must do in their lives as well. The well-being of carers is important. They are looking after a loved one, or whatever, but they also need to be looked after themselves. Carers have their own needs too.

The national carers strategy is long overdue an update and Care Alliance Ireland, CAI, and other groups have been asking for that to be done. It is an area that we must focus on.Covid-19 has been particularly difficult for all society, but carers who were so concerned of bringing Covid into a home were particularly isolated. Research by Care Alliance Ireland shows that 44% of family carers feel less able to cope as time passes. While they might get more accustomed and more used to the situation and better at the job, the needs and demands of their loved ones also become more onerous as time goes on. It is a role that is very important. I have personal experience of that.

Every family is different in how it is able to cope. It is not always financial, it is also the number of people who are there. I hope that in the budget we will see an increase in the income threshold for qualifying for carer's allowance, and an increase in the rates. It is doubtful I know. The Leader has experience of that role also.

Many carers felt isolated and underserved by traditional support-group models. The flexibility and access to 24-7, peer-to-peer support means so much to family carers, so they can engage on their own terms and at times that fit in with their living and caring duties. It is that collaboration and collegiality that members crave, so they do not feel as isolated and there is that support and advice from people who face similar challenges in similar roles.

On the budget, the key ask of groups has been the national carers strategy. Respite is also a key area for carers. Caring is an onerous and all-consuming task. In many cases it is a full-time job depending on the condition of the carers' loved ones. Respite is so important. We all know, from doing constituency work, the pressures that people can be under. I hope to see some improvements in next week's budget across that very important sector for carers.