The national umbrella body representing people with disabilities has urged people to make their voices heard to highlight the plight of the State's 150,000 unpaid carers.
People with Disabilities in Ireland (Pwdi) will hold what it called a "Twenty-Four-Seven" initiative tomorrow to provide information to carers and encourage them to get involved to lobby for policy change.
Chief executive Michael Ringrose said carers are saving the State in excess of €300 million a year.
"We believe that the means test for the carer's allowance is very restrictive and should be removed," he said. Currently in the means test every €2.50 [earned] above €7.60 reduces the allowance by €2.50, resulting in carers on relatively low incomes not being eligible.
"A more appropriate payment should be introduced for full-time carers linking the level of payment to a labour market equivalent. This could be delivered over a three-year time frame," Mr Ringrose added.
He said PRSI contributions should also be awarded to carers on the same basis as paid contributions so that they do not lose out on pension entitlements arising from their caring role.
The poor level of public transport, particularly in rural areas is also a major issue for carers, the Pwdi chief said.