THE Carers' Association has welcomed the Government's decision to increase by 50 per cent the carer's Allowance for people for more than one person in home.
However, it stressed that than three quarters of Ireland 30,000 full-time carers would still be excluded from receiving allowance following the Budget.
The chairman, Mr Frank Goodwin, said the Department's stance: was "totally at variance with the reality of people's lives".
"By insisting on the present stringent means test, the Department is failing to recognise the work of almost 25,000 women who are full-time carers," he said.
"While carers are doing a job which is recognised by the Government and the Department of Social Welfare, that same Department excludes them from the allowance, unless they are living below the poverty line and under the same roof as the person receiving the care.
The association called on the Minister for Social Welfare to acknowledge the right of carers to carer's payment for their work in the home by abolishing the means-test in the forthcoming Social Welfare Bill.
Meanwhile the Democratic Left TD, Mr Eric Byrne, welcomed the "back-to-work" measures in the Budget combined with changes in the taxation system aimed at low earners.
These measures were a further indication of the Government's determination to ensure that all sections of society had a stake in the economic boom, he said.
"The improvements in social welfare rates and the further elimination of poverty traps, as well as the targeting of social welfare measures at those most in need, will go a long way towards addressing social exclusion."
Improvements in the Family Income Supplement, the increase in Back-to-Work Allowance and the improved opportunities for second-chance education were a recognition that employment represents the most effective route out of poverty.
"The real impact of this Budget will be felt in people's pockets, as they benefit not only from increased welfare payments and lower taxes, but also as they make the transition from dole to work"