There are over 8,000 family carers in Co. Kildare, alone.
Family Carers Ireland is hitting out at the Government’s failure to support the over 500,000 people currently looking after a loved one at home.
FCI says " platitudes do not put food on the table or provide vital respite breaks to those caring 24/7 for family members with highly complex needs."
The national charity representing Ireland’s family carers has briefed Oireachtas members on its pre-budget submission
"I don't particularly enjoy being a carer...but it's what I have to do and it's what I will do. To feel not supported and not seen is difficult." Joan Daly, who cares for her daughter Sophia, addressing #Oireachtas members at our #budget2022 submission briefing. #familycarers pic.twitter.com/LPolP2iOS2
— Family Carers Ireland (@CarersIreland) September 23, 2021
The document outlines six key asks.
This includes an annual entitlement to 20 days of respite for family carers as part of a statutory homecare scheme; a €150 increase in the Carer's Support Grant; an €8 rise in weekly carer payments; gradually bringing Carer’s Allowance income disregards in line with average weekly earnings; a refreshed National Carers’ Strategy and €5m in funding to deliver the 'Carer's Guarantee' proposal of a core basket of services to family carers across the country, regardless of where they live.
Catherine Cox, Head of Communications and Policy, Family Carers Ireland, joined Ciara Noble on Friday's edition of Kildare Today.

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