Time to end means testing for family carers - Naughten

Denis Naughten is one of a group of TDs who is seeking an end to the means testing of family carers. The Regional Group of TDs has proposed a motion which seeks to replace the current system with a non-means tested scheme based solely on care needs, recognising the invaluable contribution of over 500,000 family carers across Ireland.

Family carers, who represent one in eight of the Irish population, have long been the cornerstone of care provision in the country. However, the current means testing of the Carer’s Allowance has left many carers in precarious financial situations, often dependent on a partner's income.

The ‘State of Caring Report 2022’, produced by Family Carers, Ireland highlighted the significant challenges faced by family carers, including the battle in accessing services and carers feeling undervalued by society.

Deputy Naughten highlighted the need for legislative change: “The recent referendum has once again shone a light on the critical role carers play in our communities. For too long family carers have been left behind without proper support from the State and this needs to end now. It is time for the State to recognise and support family carers adequately. We urge all Dáil Deputies to back the motion that seeks to provide financial stability and recognition to family carers on April 24th.”

Head of Communications and Policy at Family Carers Ireland, Catherine Cox, supports the call for reform by Deputy Naughten and his colleagues in the Regional Group. She said: “The means test for Carer’s Allowance is outdated, gender-biased, and no longer fit for purpose. Thousands of full-time family carers do not qualify for Carer’s Allowance due to modest household incomes, undervaluing the full-time work they provide. The introduction of a Participation Income would mark a significant step forward in acknowledging and supporting the vital work of family carers in our society.”

The Regional Group’s Private Members Motion proposes the introduction of a non-means tested payment for carers by 2027, with a significant increase in the income thresholds from now until that date; a move that aligns with the long-standing advocacy efforts of Family Carers Ireland for a more inclusive and supportive system for carers.

The motion is set for debate on Wednesday, April 24 and will be broadcast live on Oireachtas TV between 10am to 12pm.