Sinn Fein Criticise Exclusion Of Family Carers From Pandemic Bonus

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Tipperary Sinn Féin TD Martin Browne has criticised the government for excluding family carers from  the pandemic recognition payment of €1,000 for frontline health workers.

Deputy Browne said: “Family carers are the forgotten frontline who protect our health service on an ongoing basis by providing care to loved ones.

This important care saves the state billions of Euro every year.

The Cashel based TD cited how “Throughout the pandemic many family carers shared how they were left feeling isolated and abandoned by the government during the pandemic.

Practically all supports were withdrawn during the pandemic with day services and centre based respite services initially withdrawn entirely, and only returning on a severally reduced capacity.

“Family carers were also not considered for PPE provision or vaccine prioritisation.

Deputy Browne says“Family carers are left behind by the government too often and cannot be forgotten again.

He called on Minister Michael McGrath must do the right thing and extend this covid recognition payment to family carers saying that “Family carers do not get the benefit of public holidays.

Their role is 24/7. Therefore, they will not benefit from an additional day’s holiday this year.