Thousands of family carers were given a pledge yesterday by Minister for Social Affairs Séamus Brennan to recognise and acknowledge their work through increased benefits and practical support measures.
The Minister gave his commitment at the launch in Dublin of the Carers' Association's first national strategy for carers.
The association is calling for a fair deal for carers, stating that they were often totally isolated looking after a family member for 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on little remuneration.
The strategy urges comprehensive services and supports for family carers, an adequate and fair system of remuneration, education and training, work-life balance policies, support for their health and wellbeing.
The Minister said the strategy was an important document and set the agenda for the future.
"It is the agenda of the Carers' Association, but it is, from right now, my agenda," he said.
Carers made a valued and valuable contribution to Irish society through their dedication and sacrifice, he said. He wanted that work to be recognised and acknowledged through increased benefits and practical support measures.
There were many points in the strategy which struck home. "One in particular asserts that policy in relation to family carers must focus on the human and societal dimensions of family caring. I couldn't agree more," Mr Brennan said.
Association chairman Frank Goodwin said there were 150,000 carers in the State working over three million hours every week, resulting in savings to the Exchequer of up to €2 billion each year.
"It is now time to recognise and deliver on essential support services, based primarily in the home and immediate community. It is time family carers were integrated in the paid-service sector labour force and receive the recognition and remuneration for the essential societal work we are providing."
Mr Goodwin gave examples of two case histories.
Louise lives in the northeast and looks after her daughter, who has spina bifida. She works parttime and her daughter attends a daycare centre five days a week. Her daughter requires constant attention and that means during the evening, overnight and at weekends. As Louise is working outside the home, she does not receive the carers' allowance and her money just barely covers their costs.
Graham is a full-time carer who gave up his paid employment to look after his father (88), who had a severe stroke. Graham also developed a number of health problems due to the long hours of caring and the physical, heavy work of lifting his father. He gets €139.60 carers' allowance and his job is 24 hours, seven days a week.