Better conditions for carers were sought yesterday by People with Disabilities in Ireland (PwDI), the umbrella body for disability groups.
It used yesterday's date (24th of the seventh) to launch its Twenty-Four-Seven initiative, highlighting the plight of people who care for relatives 24 hours a day.
An estimated 150,000 people provide unpaid care to others, which saves the State approximately €300 million in nursing home care every year.
PwDI has called for the removal of the means test for the carer's allowance. Michael Ringrose, PwDI chief executive, said carers on low incomes were excluded from the payment.
"A more appropriate payment should be introduced for full-time carers, linking the level of payment to a labour market equivalent," he said.
"In addition, PRSI contributions should 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."
Mr Ringrose also called on the Health Service Executive to provide better support facilities for carers so that they could have regular breaks from caring.
"This Twenty-Four-Seven initiative is designed to shine the light on the plight of people who care for others 24 hours a day, for many of whom the pressures of this unpaid job bring its own health risks," Mr Ringrose said.
He encouraged carers to contact PwDI and get involved in lobbying for change.
