Young Carers cannot be forgotten in Budget 2026
Young Carers cannot be forgotten in Budget 2026 - The Labour Party
- No reference to young carers in Programme for Government
- Labour calls for introduction of Young Carer Grant
Responding to research published by the University of Limerick on young carers, Labour’s social protection spokesperson and Kildare South TD Mark Wall said Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil must recognise and better support those young people caring formally and informally.
Deputy Wall said:
“The research published by researchers from the University of Limerick are shocking but not surprising. Young carers have been left totally unsupported by Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil. I raised this in the Dáil in March of this year, to highlight the struggles faced by the over 67,000 young carers who provide essential, unpaid care to family members.
“The report highlights the need to identify young carers to ensure they have access to supports. Yet, we know that no supports are even available. Research from Family Carers Ireland showed that one in four young carers have gone to school or bed hungry because there was not enough food at home. More than a third have reported being bullied at school. It’s disgraceful.
“We raised this with Government in March, yet in the four months since then, there has been no action, no commitment to change, and no accountability for the young people who are taking on responsibilities in the home that the State should be providing.
“Our comprehensive motion called for the introduction of a Young Carer Grant, something that must be considered by the Department given that Budget kite flying is already well underway.
“This must be coupled with supports, like school based initiatives to aid the educational needs of young carers, and provide additional home care supports so that young carers can have some time for themselves.
“As Family Carers Ireland publish their pre-Budget submission today, I would urge Minister Calleary to take a close read of the stark reality facing carers across the country.
“The fact that the Programme for Government fails to even mention young carers is disgraceful, a shocking omission. This report must be a wake up call for Government Buildings.”