Government Pension Proposal excludes 1000 of carers new Minister must change the criteria NOW
Following the overwhelming rejection of the Government’s carers referendum last year ,we expected a meaningful change in policy to recognise and support carers and people with disabilities. The public made it clear: carers deserve respect, recognition, and real support.
Regrettably, the Government’s announced pension scheme continues to fall short. While it allows full-time carers to apply for pension contributions and receive PRSI credits for weeks spent in full-time care of an incapacitated person, it unjustly excludes those who received social welfare payments during that period — a lifeline for many carers.
This exclusion is not only unnecessary, it is deeply unfair. It ignores the vital work of thousands of full-time carers who kept our health and care systems afloat while living in poverty themselves. These individuals save the State over €20 billion every year — yet are systematically undervalued.
“The decision to exclude this group of carers is totally unnecessary and a cruel decision by the Government at a time when carers are saving the State €20 billion each year.”
Ireland’s carers have been left behind for too long. They provide 24/7 care, 365 days a year, often with minimal financial support. With carer poverty at record levels, this policy failure can no longer be ignored.
This Government must change its approach — urgently. Carers and people with disabilities must come together, raise their voices, and demand fair treatment and proper support..
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