FIANNA Fáil TD for Limerick, Willie O’Dea, has called on the Taoiseach in the Dáil to deliver on a promise to introduce improved ancillary services for carers, known as the carer’s guarantee, at a cost of approximately €5million per year.
“I am sure the Taoiseach will agree with me that this country derives significant benefit from the work done by carers,” the Limerick politician said.
“Unfortunately, not all carers are treated equally. In many cases, the backup or ancillary services for carers depend on where you live. There are some parts of the country where such services are hardly available at all. It is a classic example of the postcode lottery,” he added.
Deputy O’Dea went on to claim that there is a specific commitment to introduce a carer’s guarantee that would effectively end that postcode lottery in the programme for government.
“In fairness, the government has started to implement this proposal and I understand that the cost will be approximately €5million per year. Up to €2million per year is being spent currently. Is it the government’s intention to fully implement the commitment within its lifetime? It was a specific commitment to a very deserving group of people.”
In response, Taoiseach Simon Harrris explained that it is his intention to implement that recommendation in the Programme for Government.
“This week, I will meet Family Carers Ireland and Care Alliance Ireland to hear what more they believe we can do in terms of progressing it,” he said.
