The parents of incapacitated children should not have to go through the means test system in order to qualify for Carers Allowance, according to the Fianna Fáil TD for Tipperary, Jackie Cahill.
The Tipperary TD wants to see changes implemented in Budget 2023 so that similar to the medical card system, whereby children who are incapacitated do not have to apply through a means test process, the same system would apply for the Carers Allowance.
The Thurles based TD said the change would have very little impact on the Exchequer, but would see a much fairer and humane system in place for affected families.
He described the situation of a Tipperary Family where one of the parents gave up their full time, well paid employment to care for their child who cannot walk, speak or eat.
The family’s Carers Allowance recently underwent review and it was reduced to less than €50 per week due to the means test.
Deputy Cahill told the Dáil it is insulting to tell a parent who looks after their child 24/7 that their work is only worth €50 per week.
In addition he criticised the appeals system for failing to effectively take the family’s circumstances into account.
