The Carers' Association is calling for a range of benefits for family carers.
In its pre-budget submission the association outlined its research that found family carers contribute over €2.1 billion to Ireland's social economy, and it called for income tax relief, social welfare benefits and medical cards for Ireland's 150,000 carers.
Although the Carers' Association welcomed the Government's recent commitment in the Social Partnership Agreement to a national strategy for family carers, it said the deficit in vital services needs to be addressed in the budget for family carers who require essential services immediately.
Enda Egan, chief executive of the association, said: "Our new statistics show that family carers provide over 3.5 million hours per week taking care of their loved ones, and this work must be supported. This is an integral part of our health service which needs proper recognition.
"Family Carers regularly come to us feeling stressed, isolated, unsupported and frustrated, and we want next year's budget to begin addressing these difficulties and implement real change for family Carers".
The Carers' Association's Pre-Budget Submission 2007 seeks, among other issues, comprehensive needs assessments, medical cards and an annual comprehensive health checks, proper remuneration, income tax relief for certain categories of expense, and accredited training.