Labour seeks to scrap means test for carers

The Labour Party has tabled a Dáil motion calling for the introduction of a new package of measures to meet the needs of carers, including the abolition of means testing for the carers' allowance.

The motion, to be debated during private members' time tomorrow before a vote on Wednesday, is based on the recommendations of a report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social and Family Affairs.

As well as calling for the abolition of the means test for the carers' allowance - a move expected to cost about €180 million in the first year - the private members' Bill recommends a national strategy for the State's estimated 150,000 carers, the extension of the respite care grant to all carers, and "a significant shift of resources to home care subvention".

Mr Willie Penrose TD, Labour's spokesman on social and family affairs, and chairman of the Oireachtas committee, said: "We hope the Government would not play party politics with this issue as we already have an all-party report recommending these changes.

"It's a first test for Minister Brennan, as he takes up his new job, but more importantly it's a first test for the Government after the Inchydoney experience," said Mr Penrose.

"The manner in which the Government responds to this motion will give the public an opportunity to see if the Government's supposedly new 'caring image' is genuine or if it is simply a PR stunt."

Figures from the Department of Social and Family Affairs show that less than 15 per cent of carers qualify for the €139.60-a-week carers allowance.

It is estimated that carers look after 35,000 children with very severe disabilities, 30,000 people with dementia, 10,000 people disabled because of strokes and 50,000 older people.

The Carers' Association estimates this work is worth at least €1.9 billion annually to the State.

Mr Penrose said "against the background of markedly improved Exchequer figures, there is no case for further delaying action to deal with the plight of our carers."

The respite grant, which allows carers pay for temporary, alternative care, was increased last June. However, the grant continues to be available only to people already in receipt of the carers' allowance.

Care Alliance Ireland, an umbrella group of agencies working with carers, has backed calls for the abolition of means testing.

Age Action Ireland, which represents older people, said it also supported the Bill. Mr Paul Murray, head of communications with the group, said: "There needs to be much more respite care, which is one of the things that keeps older people out of hospital."