SOME 161 family carers marched backwards to the Dáil yesterday to urge the Government to avoid taking a step backwards by cutting allowances for family carers in next week’s budget.
Carers Association chief executive Enda Egan said carers were “extremely worried” that they would lose vital allowances as the Government said that all payments were being considered.
“Carers are saving the Government €2.5 billion a year. They are working three million hours a week. They are a unique group of people, a national resource, and we need to be protected, not targeted for cuts.”
May Denmead travelled from Clonmel to take part in her first ever protest yesterday because of her anger at the lack of recognition for carers. For the past 34 years, she has been caring for her brother Johnny, who has Down syndrome, but she receives no carer’s allowance because of her husband’s income.
“I save the Government money but I feel it has wasted all that money.”
Elaine Vankeulen from Kerry said she was already living on the breadline as she cared for both parents but if her allowance was cut, she would have to put them into a nursing home. “And that’s going to cost the Government more.”
** The Simon Communities of Ireland published its pre-budget submission yesterday, warning the Government that homelessness would increase in the current economic climate. It urged the Government to honour its pledge to end rough sleeping and long-term homelessness by 2010.
