Young carers are a highly vulnerable and yet unseen group in Irish society whose needs are not being met by the State, a body representing over 100,000 carers has said.
The Carers' Association, the national voluntary organisation for family carers in the home, called on the Government to develop an inclusive national strategy, with particular focus on young carers. It has also asked that carers be given a special tax credit and a medical cards.
Speaking in Dublin on the publication of the body's pre-Budget submission, Mr Enda Egan, chief executive of the Carers' Association, said young carers were a "highly vulnerable yet relatively unseen group" in Irish society and their specific needs were not being met.
"It is vital the needs of all family carers, including young carers, are recognised and the necessary support structures put in place through the development of an all-inclusive national strategy," he said.
He said that while caring for a family member can be a "positive and rewarding" experience, it could also hold many disadvantages, particularly for young carers.
"The experience of being a young carer can be stressful and diminishing. If the commitments are excessive the physical, mental and emotional well-being of the young person will be gradually undermined. Difficulties at school can affect attainment and reduce future job prospects."
Mr Egan said a national strategy specifically for young carers had been devised in Scotland.
In its pre-Budget submission, the association outlines what it sees as the main priorities for the forthcoming budget recommending a review and improvement of the services and supports currently available to family carers.
These include the national strategy, a review of carers' allowances and a review of the current criteria for means testing. The group also wants all carers to be given medical cards and to have dual eligibility for social welfare benefits. It has recommended the introduction of tax relief and a family carers' tax credit.
"The Government must formally recognise the extent of the contribution made by family carers," Mr Egan said.
"Despite saving the State up to €1.6 billion a year, Irish family carers and young carers still face many inequalities. A national strategy must be developed which will contribute to improving the lot of a very vulnerable sector of society, ease pressure on the health service and for minimal investment lead to actual savings in the health budget."