A Workers and Unemployed Action Group TD for South Tipperary is calling for immediate abolition of the carer’s allowance means test.
Seamus Healy TD is also calling for the urgent restoration of the 1.9 million home support hours cut previously and an additional 2 million hours to meet unmet needs, and support structure for home care workers.
Deputy Healy says family carers save the State approximately €20 billion adding that the abolition of the carer’s allowance means test is the least the Government should do in return.
It’s believed the full cost of the measure would be €375.3 million.
The local TD also believes the provision of respite is another vital support that is needed both for carers and those cared for, almost three quarters of whom have never received respite care. This leads to ill-health and burnout, particularly for carers.
South Tipperary area has the second highest waiting list to get home help support.
