Carers across Mayo are outraged that the Government might consider targeting carer’s allowances for budgetary cuts. Minister for Social and Family Affairs Mary Hanafin has suggested that the cost-cutting board set up by An Taoiseach to reduce departmental spending may focus on cutting recently introduced increases such as the half-rate carer’s allowance introduced two years ago. The Carers Association in Mayo has been inundated with calls from carers across the county, angry and very worried over Minister Hanafin’s comments.
Introducing the half-rate carer’s allowance two years ago, Minister Cullen stated: “Government is committed to supporting carers and to facilitating older people and people with disabilities to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Carers play a very crucial, and much valued role in our society.” He continued: “A working group on long-term care, chaired by the Department of An Taoiseach, was established to identify policy options for a financially sustainable system of long-term care. The role and needs of family carers were recognised by the group and this influenced the decision to introduce half payment carer’s allowance.”
The Carers’ Association finds it inconceivable that two years later, another group, also chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach, would consider reversing this decision.
“Cutting essential allowances for family carers would be an absolute disgrace. Reducing the carer’s allowance, removing the half-rate carer’s allowance or reducing income disregards for family carers, many of whom are already living on the poverty line, will seriously endanger the continuation of care in the home,” said Enda Egan, CEO of the Carers’ Association. “Carers, already a very vulnerable group providing front line services in the community, should not be victims of Government’s efforts to cut spending. Allowance cuts could result in many carers being forced to pass the care of family and loved ones to the state, as they will no longer be able to afford medical supplies and increasing food, heating and electricity costs, thus significantly increasing the costs of care on the State.”
Mayo’s 5,440 family carers contribute over 132,873 hours every week to Ireland’s social economy, saving the state over €89 million each year.
“Ireland’s family carers contribute over three million hours of care per week on minimal allowances and supports. It is shocking that Government might consider penalising carers as part of their cut-backs. Family carers receiving the carer’s allowance of €220 per week must be providing full care in the home in order to receive payment, which is only €16 per week above Job Seekers Allowance. Yet carers work full-time and are on call 24 hours, seven days a week as well as having to deal with the hidden costs of caring,” explained Egan.
Based on commitments by Government, it was anticipated that the National Carers’ Strategy, already over 12 months behind schedule, would be published by Christmas. Carers are dependent on this strategy to formally recognise their contribution as well as to address financial and support services issues.
