Family Carers Ireland Welcomes Labour Party Motion Calling for Urgent Action on Young Carers

“There was no room to fall apart, no time to be just a kid.”

Thursday, 20^th March 2025: Family Carers Ireland welcomes the Labour Party’s motion put forward by Deputy Mark Wall calling for immediate recognition and support for young carers in Ireland. More than 67,000 children aged 10-17 provide care to a family member due to illness, disability, mental health challenges, or addiction - often at the expense of their own childhood. Young carers shoulder responsibilities far beyond their years, yet remain largely invisible in education, health, and social protection systems.

Research shows that 80% of young carers are at clinical risk of depression, while 56% struggle to cope. Too many fall behind in school, miss out on social opportunities, and feel isolated, yet there are no dedicated policies to support them. Without intervention, their futures are at risk—trapped in a cycle of disadvantage and poor health.

Family Carers Ireland welcomes this motion as a step forward but warns that young carers cannot wait any longer for real support. The Government must establish a cross-departmental working group and designate a lead department to drive action. Ministers in the Department of Education and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth must take responsibility for delivering meaningful support, ensuring young carers are not left struggling alone. The means test for Carer’s Allowance must be phased out so that all full time carers are supported, not penalised, and financial and respite supports must be introduced. Young people are the future of care in Ireland—without action, their wellbeing will be at risk.

Young carer Sarah Ann Buday, who has been caring for her sister Esther, who has Down syndrome and AVSD, a heart condition, shared her experience: “My parents, as loving as they were, had to be in the hospital with Esther for long periods of time. So, at home, it was up to me. I wasn’t just a sibling anymore—I became a caregiver, a protector, a second parent… There was no room to fall apart, no time to be just a kid. I had to be strong because my family needed me to be.” Calling for action, she added: “Acknowledge us. Support us. Because young carers are not just teens looking after loved ones - we are the quiet strength holding families together.”

Catherine Cox, Head of Communications and Policy at Family Carers Ireland, said: “Adolescence is already a challenging time, but for young carers, the added responsibility of caring for a loved one can take a serious toll. Balancing school, friendships, and personal development alongside caring impacts their mental and physical wellbeing, while also limiting their education and future career opportunities without proper support. The Government must step up with real support to ensure young carers are not left struggling alone.

“Young carers should not have to choose between caring for a loved one and securing their own future,” added Cox. “The Government must act now—young carers cannot continue to be overlooked, undervalued, and unsupported.”