Social policy: A one-stop-shop for carers to access services and support is among the proposals in a policy launched by Fine Gael's social and family affairs spokesman David Stanton.
It would be a central point of contact for carers and those who receive care to have their needs assessed and options explored.
Proposals also include increased payments by removing the spouse's means from the means test for the carer's allowance payment. "A spouse's earnings should not have any impact on a carer qualifying for the carer's payment," Mr Stanton said.
"We want to change the situation where a small number of elderly people and widows/widowers are disqualified from receiving the carer's allowance because they are in receipt of a State pension," the Cork East TD said.
"We find this very unfair and we will allow these carers receive a half payment of the carer's allowance on top of their State pension as a mark of recognition for their work."
Mr Stanton said the party also wanted to focus on the 3,000 carers aged under 18 "who get absolutely no recognition from the State whatsoever". They had responsibilities traditionally held by adults.
"This highly responsible role can often impact on a young carer's education and childhood. In an effort to allow young carers take a break from caring so that they can enjoy what should be the best years of their lives, Fine Gael will increase supports from the State such as home helps and will work with the education system to ensure that these young people are not isolated."
The services of the one-stop-shop "will be administered by an integrated case management service through the Department of Social and Family Affairs where the process of determining entitlements to services will be simplified". The plans also include a PRSI exemption for employers who hire former carers, and a certificate of skills for carers.
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