Family Carers Ireland Holds First Ever National Carers Council Meeting

Carers’ voices to be placed at the heart of policy-making

Saturday, 8th November 2025: Family Carers Ireland today hosts the inaugural meeting of its new National Carers Council, the first of its kind in Ireland, giving family carers across the country a formal national structure to ensure their voices shape policy and services.

The creation of the council marks a step change in how carers’ voices are heard. Until now, engagement depended on local availability and forums. For the first time, family carers will have a continuous, structured channel to shape national policy and ensure a grassroots voice connects every county to the national stage.

The council’s first meeting will focus on key issues affecting family carers, including respite supports, home support and home care services, carer payments and entitlements, transitions from child to adult services, and waiting lists. These areas reflect the most pressing concerns raised by family carers nationwide and will help shape the Council’s early priorities and recommendations.

Family Carers Ireland’s National Carers Council will meet at least twice annually and act as the formal voice of carers at national level. Delegates elected through local assemblies in every county will ensure carers’ voices are representative and inclusive, with particular attention given to those who might otherwise be excluded from decision making.

Johanne Powell, former carer and President of the National Carers Council, said: “Family carers already give so much of themselves. This council ensures that their voices are not just heard but acted on. It is the first time family carers across Ireland will have a formal, representative body feeding directly into national decision making. Our aim is simple; family carers must be at the heart of every decision that affects them.”

Attending the event, Matthew Murphy, family carer said: “As family carers, we know the challenges we face day in, day out. This council gives us a real opportunity to shape the policies and supports that will make a difference to our lives and those we care for. It is grassroots in the truest sense, carers speaking for carers and ensuring no voice is left out.”

Catherine Cox, Head of Communications and Policy at Family Carers Ireland, said: “By building on previous consultations, the National Carers Council will strengthen the role of family carers in shaping policy. With this new council, carers now have a strong, united and continuous voice. It is the first structure of its kind in Ireland and will ensure that carers’ lived experiences guide not just Family Carers Ireland but also how Government and services respond to their needs.”