Clare Family Carers Call For Means Test Bill To Be Backed By Action

Clare FM

It's hoped a significant increase in support payments could soon be forthcoming for Clare's family carers. It's after a private members bill which proposed abolishing the means testing for the weekly carers allowance passed through the Dáil without opposition last night. Although not legally binding , the approval of the private members bill put forward by the Regional Independents Group indicates strong support for the scrapping of means testing for carers allowance. At present to qualify carers cannot be employed or self-employed or do any voluntary work for more than 18.5 hours per week, while the maximum rate for a full-time carer looking after one person below retirement age is €248. Advocacy bodies have persistently called for the payment to be based on the needs of those receiving care, rather than by household income. The Netwatch Clare family carer of the year from Bunratty, Sinead O'Brien says the review process of the means test has added undue stress to her role. The Government estimates that family carers save the state roughly €20 billion annually. According to Census 2022, over 2,300 people in this county regularly provide over 40 hours of unpaid care to a family member on a weekly basis. Support Manager for Family Carers Ireland in Clare, Fiona Hartigan, says while abolishing the means test would be a welcome start, an abundance of further support is urgently needed for carers.