Deputy Michael Lowry and the Regional Group of TDs’ are seeking cross-party support for the introduction of a non-means-tested Participation Income for Family Carers by 2027.
All nine of the Regional Group of TDs have signed a Private Members Motion calling for the abolition of means testing for Carer’s Allowance. This motion aims to acknowledge the essential support that family carers provide and also recognising those who dedicate themselves to caring for their loved ones.
More than 500,000 people are Family Carers in Ireland and the State of Caring Report 2022 by Family Carers Ireland reveals a significant portion of family carers reporting “difficulty accessing services for their care recipients and feeling undervalued by society”.
The Carer’s Allowance is the only social welfare payment where recipients are expected to provide full-time work (min 35 hrs) and in return receive just €18 more than the basic social welfare rate.
