Carers want voice in election
by Danielle Harney Updated: Friday, 11th February, 2011 9:30am
The Carers Association is calling on the next government to stick to five pledges regarding what they call the country’s “invisible workforce”.
The association launched its election manifesto at its national office in Market Square Tullamore last Friday morning. The Carers Association is calling on political candidates to make the voices of caring families heard in this general election. Voters are encouraged to ask all candidates about their policies for family carers.
Enda Egan is CEO of the Carers Association.
“Family carers have been badly let down by the Government. Despite promises to protect the most vulnerable in our society, Carers have often been the victims of harsh cuts and much reduced support services. If a new Government allows this to continue, then care in the home will become unsustainable for many in this country, which leaves to Government the burden of care and the major financial implications of its provision,” he said.
“Family carers are one of Ireland’s greatest national resources, their work saving the state billions each year. Yet despite this Carers are very frustrated with their current situation. Many are overburdened, feel undervalued and unrecognised and are unable to have any life of their own. Care in the home is one of the biggest health service issues facing any incoming Government and the fundamentals of Carer policy in Ireland need to be given a new direction and impetus, one that fits with the realities of caring in Ireland today.”
As part of its election campaign, the association has created Ireland’s first Carers Virtual Campaign which allows carers to simply upload an image of themselves holding their messages for the attention of election candidates on www.carersireland.com, write a letter to your local candidate or attend a ‘Meet the Candidates’ event.
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The Carers Association demand that all political parties make the following commitments for family carers:
- Pledge to publish the National Carers Strategy, which was promised but has not happened.
- Pledge that every carer will have the right to an adequate income and have opportunities to work and have a life outside of their caring role. Carers are the only Social Welfare recipients who work full-time for their payment. This means that many work for less than the minimum wage.
- Pledge to support carers health and wellbeing and improve access to services. Carers need a non-means tested medical card, an annual health check, and increased provision of respite services.
- Provide supports for young carers. There are 28,000 carers aged under 18. Promote equality and social justice for family carers.
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