Caitriona protests with family carers
BRAY woman Caitriona Kenna was among a group of family carers to stage a protest outside Leinster House.
‘Family Carers Ireland’ gathered to highlight their disappointment and frustration with Budget 2020.
‘ The Government have family carers in a box. They think they’ve ticked the box with this budget – well they didn’t,’ said Catherine Cox, head of communications and carer engagement with Family Carers Ireland. ‘Our phones have been ringing with furious family carers demanding proper recognition for the 24/7 work that they do looking after loved ones who need their care and attention.’
Family carers took turns inside a cage outside the Dáil to demonstrate their plight. They feel trapped and say that the Government does not recognise their contribution or their struggle.
Despite increasing the hours that a family carer can work or study from 15 to 18.5 a week, Budget 2020 saw no increase in the income disregard for Carer’s Allowance. As a result, Government has created a potential poverty trap for family carers who may see their Carer’s Allowance reduced if they work additional hours. Currently, only one in four family carers receive Carer’s Allowance due to the strict means test.
‘Family carers will no longer accept the repeated failure of Government to address the homecare crisis and implement the demands outlined in Family Carers Ireland’s pre-budget submission,’ said Family Carers Ireland in a statement.