Calls for movement on family carers legislation

Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane has called on Minister Heather Humphreys to expedite plans for legislation to provide a State pension for long-term family carers.

Deputy Kerrane said she had raised the issues a number of times and once again questioned the Minister in the Dáil last week.

In response, Minister Humphreys confirmed that the Department of Social Protection was working on producing the required legislation and that it would be ready in the second half of the year.

“The reality is that family carers have already waited far too long and too many have already lost out and continue to lose out when they reach retirement age and do not have a State pension to support them,” Deputy Kerrane said.

“In many cases, we are talking about family carers who give a lifetime of care not to mention the billions they save the State every year and this should be recognised.

“The Government has finally been forced to take action on this matter following recommendations from the re- port by the Commission on Pensions, which was published last year.

“I am calling on the minister to expedite the process and bring forward legislation which will provide a State pension solution for long-term family carers”.