Currently there are almost 2,500 family carers in Sligo. Many are overburdened, feel undervalued and unrecognised and are unable to have any life of their own, Cllr Declan Bree, told this months meeting of Sligo County Council, where he proposed that the Council call on the new Government to publish the National Carers Strategy and to restore the Carers Allowance to its 2010 level.
“The Carers Association point out that carers in Ireland provide more than 3.7 million hours of care each week. Replacing this care would cost the Government €2.5 billion each year.” said Cllr Bree.
“Despite this, it is generally recognised that family carers are one of the most socially excluded groups in Irish society and face significant hardship and disadvantage as a direct result of their care-giving responsibilities.
“In the most recent budget carers had their weekly allowance cut by a government which re-allocated the monies to pay off the private debts of bankers and speculators. Surely this is unacceptable in the Ireland of the 21st century.
“Carers have been calling for the publication of the National Carers Strategy for the past number of years. Despite all the promises the National Strategy still has not seen the light of day.
“In my view it is unacceptable that a carer would suffer financial hardship and disadvantage because he or she provides care to a loved one. I believe it is time for Government to recognise the value of the work of carers.” Cllr Bree concluded.