Around 3,000 young carers are providing vital work without any formal State supports, it was claimed today.
Figures have revealed 2,997 people aged between 15 and 17-years are providing care to loved ones in their homes.
Fine Gael spokesman on social affairs, David Stanton said: "These carers undertake a socially vital role yet this is not recognised by our Government as financial supports, such as the Carer's Allowance, are only available to those 18 years or over.
"The UK, in contrast, provides support to their young carers, allowing them to receive proper recognition for their duties and helping with social and emotional problems.
"The problems for our young carers don't just stop at finance though as many have reported feelings of isolation due to lower levels of social participation than their non-caring peers."
Around seven per cent of carers provide 43 or more hours of care each week, according to Census figures from the Central Statistics Office. Some 81 per cent of young carers provide up to 14-hours of care per week which means they can have less opportunities for study and social interaction with other teens.
Mr Stanton said: "Ireland's 3,000 underage carers often suffer under a huge emotional burden and a lack of information, supports and professional interventions are making difficult situations worse. It is high time those situations changed for the better."
Research published by the Equality Authority has found caring responsibilities can have a negative impact on the educational achievements of young carers.
Mr Stanton said: "In fact, research due to be published later this year by University College Cork and Combat Poverty shows that children as young as 12-years-old are losing out on education and regularly missing school, as a result of caring obligations."
He called on the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Seamus Brennan, to liaise with the Minister for Education to examine what could be done to aid young carers.
"Providing financial support would be a good start but putting emotional and social supports in place are also vital," he said, adding both Barnardos and Trinity College Dublin have raised concerns about it.
PA