A recent report by Family Carers Ireland highlights the impact the cost of living crisis is having on those caring for loved ones.
It states that carers save the Irish exchequer €20bn per year by caring for their loved ones at home, thus ensuring they won't have to be hospitalised or enter a care home.
According to the report, 77% of respondents felt that their value as a carer was not recognised by society'. It also highlighted how calls to the Alzheimer Society of Ireland's National Helpline seeking financial advice more than doubled in the first three months of 2023 when compared to the same period in 2022.
Cavan Monaghan Sinn Fein TD, Deputy Pauline Tully, says many carers are at "breaking point' because of financial strains.
She added that the Government must ensure that those who are vulnerable are protected from further financial burdens and distress.
"As we know, not everybody qualifies for the Carers Allowance, and it's only €220 per week if people do qualify and get the maximum rate. And we know that the cost of food, the cost of fuel, and the cost of electricity - everything has risen dramatically.
"So it is proving extremely difficult for family carers to make ends meet," said Deputy Tully.
