New ESRI Research Further Highlights Postcode Lottery - [23.07.2019] New research published today provides further evidence that a postcode lottery exists for family carers whereby where you live determines what supports you can or cannot access. It also reinforces Family Carers Ireland’s call for a €110 million increase in the home supports budget in Budget 2020. The ESRI report on the supply of […] Financial Pressure Of Caring Damages Health - [19.07.2019] Family carers are under severe financial pressure due to a lack of supports and services and the extra costs associated with providing essential care to their loved ones. Shockingly, one in four family carers providing 50+ hours of care per week do not receive Carer’s Allowance or Carer’s Benefit because of the strict eligibility […]40 Young Carers Enjoy Respite Weekend In Carlingford - Family Carers Ireland’s annual Young Carers Respite Weekend took place from June 22nd to 24th in Carlingford Adventure Centre. The aim of the event is to give young people with caring responsibilities the chance to have fun, relax, socialise and have their voices heard about issues that affect them. Almost 40 young carers from across […]
Pre-Budget Submission Highlights ‘A Decade Lost’ - [26.06.2019] Family Carers Ireland, the organisation who represent the 355,000 family carers in Ireland, have launched their pre-budget submission. The priorities outlined in ‘A Decade Lost’ are supported by research published in May 2019 which shows that the situation for family carers has severely declined in the past 10 years. This research reflects the lack […]Irish Charities Team Up To Launch National Carers Week - [10.06.19] Today, twelve Irish organisations have partnered to launch National Carers Week 2019 with the help of broadcaster and Family Carers Ireland patron Mary Kennedy. Now in its 13th year, National Carers Week will run from 10th-16th June 2019. With 355,000 family carers in Ireland, this week carries huge importance and aims to raise awareness of […]
Family Carers Paying An Even Higher Price Than 10 Years Ago - [30.05.2019] One in three family carers have a diagnosis of depression and almost two in three carers are now providing more than 100 hours of care per week. These are just some of the alarming findings in a new research report. Carers are now estimated to save the state €10 billion every year. Today, Family […]
Carer of the Year Awards 2019 Launched - [24.04.2019] Today, Family Carers Ireland launched its annual Carer of the Year Awards for 2019. The event was hosted by broadcasters and patrons of the charity Mary Kennedy and Marty Whelan in The Westin Hotel, Dublin. The awards aim to recognise and celebrate the remarkable contribution of Ireland’s 355,000 family carers. Family Carers Ireland takes pride […]2019 Local & European Election Manifestos - Family Carers Ireland believes that improving family carers lives must be firmly on the agenda in the local and European elections on May 24th. We are contacting candidates to make them aware of our manifestos and we encourage everyone to engage in the elections on the issue of carers’ rights. Our local election manifesto Building […]
Public Meetings – Carers In Crisis: Ending the Postcode Lottery - Family Carers Ireland is inviting family carers from across the country to attend one of six upcoming public meetings ‘Carers in Crisis: Ending the Postcode Lottery’ which will take place over the coming weeks. These events aim to highlight the postcode lottery family carers experience in accessing essential supports and will identify local issues that […]
250 Family Carers Enjoy Well-Earned Break At Respite Weekend - Friday, March 1st saw 250 family carers descend on Salthill, Co. Galway for the National Respite Weekend. The annual event organised by Family Carers Ireland is not only an opportunity for family carers to kick back, relax and get some well-deserved pampering but also allows them to catch up with familiar faces, share stories and […]Caring Employers Encouraged To Support Family Carers - One in nine people in Ireland’s workforce are juggling paid employment with a family caring role. Family Carers Ireland is asking Irish companies to join them in supporting this group of 210,000 family carers. Today, Friday, February 22nd in The Merrion Hotel, Family Carers Ireland hosted a first of its kind breakfast briefing for employers […]
A Choir Of Carers To Feature In New RTÉ Series - Following on from the hugely successful ‘The High Hopes Choir’ and ‘The Choir of Ages’, Tyrone Productions are delighted to be commencing the production of a brand new RTÉ series in partnership with Family Carers Ireland which will be based in Wexford. The series will follow world renowned conductor David Brophy as he forms a […]
Launch of Fifth National Carers’ Strategy Scorecard - The Family Carers Ireland National Carers’ Strategy Scorecard 2017 was launched this morning in Buswells Hotel, Dublin. The 2017 progress report gives a comprehensive insight into the decline and improvements for family carers compared to 2016. Family Carers Ireland is disappointed with the rate of improvement for many vital services family carers desperately need such […] First Step Towards Recognising Family Carers In Constitution - Family Carers Ireland hopeful of greater support for family carers following publication of new report Family Carers Ireland warmly welcomes a new report by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice and Equality which supports our call for Article 41.2 of the Constitution (referring to a woman’s place in the home) to be amended, rather than […]
Remarkable Carers Recognised at Annual Awards Ceremony - The National CarePlus Carer of the Year 2018 Awards have taken place today [23.11.18] in a special ceremony in The Westin Hotel presented by broadcasters and patrons of Family Carers Ireland, Marty Whelan and Mary Kennedy. Twenty-seven family carers from across Ireland were recognised for their dedication and the many sacrifices made in their caring […]
How Is This A “Caring Budget”? - Family Carers Ireland Bitterly Disappointed That Homecare Crisis Ignored in Budget 2019 [09.10.2018] Family Carers Ireland is challenging the Finance Minister’s claim that Budget 2019 is a “caring budget”. We are bitterly disappointed that Government has ignored the current crisis in homecare with no significant changes announced to address this major issue amongst family carers […]
Leading NGOs Call for Additional €100m Investment in Home Care in Budget 2019 - A group of Ireland’s leading not for profit organisations and campaigners came together today [01.10.2018] to highlight the urgent need for investment in home care services pending the introduction of a statutory home care scheme. While the Department of Health’s plan to establish a statutory home care scheme by 2021 is welcomed by all groups, […]
Constitution Should Recognise and Support Family Carers - Family Carers Ireland supports amending the wording of the Constitution to ensure the work of family carers (male and female) in the home is recognised and valued. [26.09.2018] Representatives of Family Carers Ireland (CEO John Dunne and Head of Communications and Carer Engagement Catherine Cox) appeared before the Oireachtas Justice and Equality Committee today to […]
Family Carers Ireland Launches New Support Group in Limerick - Family Carers Ireland, in conjunction with the Metropolitan Mayor of Limerick Daniel Butler, has launched a new support group for Family Carers providing care to children. The event, which took place at Limerick City Hall, was attended by Mayor Daniel Butler, LCCC; John Dunne, CEO of Family Carers Ireland; Victoria Ward, Support Officer with Family […]
GP Visit Card Welcome But Scheme Should Be Extended - Family Carers Ireland welcomes the introduction of the GP visit card scheme for family carers in receipt of Carer’s Allowance or Carer’s Benefit and believes that it will have a real and positive impact on the physical and mental health of carers who qualify under the scheme. “We are hopeful that it will introduce preventative […]