Family carers outline the realities of caring for a loved one

FINE Gael TD for Offaly, John Clendennen, has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting family carers following a meeting with Family Carers Ireland to discuss the organisation's priorities ahead of Budget 2027.

Deputy Clendennen said the meeting was an important opportunity to hear directly from carers about the realities of caring for a loved one and the need to continue strengthening the supports available to them.

Speaking following the meeting, Deputy Clendennen said: "It was good to meet with Family Carers Ireland ahead of Budget 2027. Listening to carers and hearing first-hand about their experiences reinforces just how vital they are to families, communities and our health service.

"Family carers provide extraordinary care, compassion and dignity every single day. They allow loved ones to remain in their own homes, often putting their own careers, finances and personal lives on hold to care for those who need them most. Their contribution is immeasurable and deserves to be recognised not just in words, but through meaningful action."

Deputy Clendennen welcomed the significant improvements to carer supports that have recently come into effect, including the increase in the Carer's Allowance income disregard to €1,000 per week for a single person and €2,000 per week for a couple, as well as the increase in the Carer's Benefit earnings limit to €1,000 per week. These are the highest income disregards ever introduced and will allow many more carers to qualify for support while remaining in employment.

He said these reforms are another important step towards delivering on the Government's commitment to reduce the impact of means testing for family carers.

"The direction of travel is clear. This Government is committed to progressively moving away from means testing for family carers, and the changes introduced this month represent another significant milestone on that journey.

"By increasing the income thresholds, we are recognising that carers should not be disadvantaged because they continue to participate in the workforce while providing essential care. It means more carers can access the support they deserve."

Deputy Clendennen said he also discussed Family Carers Ireland's priorities for Budget 2027, including continuing the reform of Carer's Allowance, enhancing respite services and providing greater practical supports for carers.

"The meeting with Family Carers Ireland was constructive and highlighted the importance of continuing this momentum. While meaningful progress has been made, there is more to do, and I will continue working with Government colleagues to ensure carers remain at the heart of Budget 2027.

"Family carers save the State billions of euro every year through the care they provide. They deserve our gratitude, but more importantly they deserve a social protection system that properly recognises their extraordinary contribution and gives them the support they need."