Take care of our Carers
Dear Brian,
Many Older People are full-time care givers and their role needs to be recognised in Budget 2010.
It has been estimated by the Carers Association that family carers are saving the Government €2.5billion per year by providing over 192million hours of caring work per year. Family carers should be given the recognition they deserve together with adequate supports to assist them in their care giving roles.
We consider the abolition of the half rate carer’s allowance to be a retrograde step. We welcomed and praised its introduction and now urge that it continue to be paid.
We seek the abolition of the Means Test for family carers. Failing that, we seek an increase in the amount of disregard for personal savings up to €40,000. Further, the level of the Respite Care Grant should be increased to at least €2,000 for each care recipient and the number of respite facilities/care facilities increased.
The Parliament was disappointed at the decision not to publish the Carer’s Strategy and would like to see this strategy published immediately.
Yours sincerely
Ireland’s Older People