“No financial support for someone coming home to look after a loved one.”
FAMILY members returning to Ireland from abroad to care for an ill or elderly loved one are not currently entitled to the Carer’s Allowance. They are classed as not habitually resident in Ireland. The Carer’s Association and a county Limerick Deputy are negotiating with the Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton,
to introduce a case-by-case approach to the conditions for the allowance so as not to discourage relatives from returning to care for their loved ones.
Steffani-Jade McDonagh, Resource Centre Manager at the Limerick branch of the Carer’s Association believes the system is totally unfair.
Commenting to the Limerick Post she said:
“These people are coming home to look after loved ones and save the State money and it is very unfair that they’re not entitled to anything to sustain them, just because they’ve lived abroad.
“In one particular situation a gentleman who is separated from his partner who lives abroad with his child, is looking to return home and care for his mother but because he is retaining a small apartment abroad in order to be able to visit his child, he is being told that he is not entitled to the Carer’s Allowance.
“As it is not financially viable for him to be her carer without the support of the State, it looks like he will have to return abroad and his mother will have to go into a nursing home”. Ms. McDonagh explained that the Carer’s Association is constantly in talks with Minister Burton and is preparing an information booklets and case studies, including this man’s story, to strengthen efforts to change the legislation.
“If someone is coming home to look after a loved one they are already incurring expenses with the move and there is no financial support for them”, she added.
County Limerick Deputy, Patrick O’Donovan has also called on the Minister to consider a case-by-case approach to the habitual residence conditions for the Carer’s Allowance and has raised the issue in a parliamentary question.
“I understand the reason for this condition but I believe that some leniency should be given in specific cases.
“This situation is compounded by the fact that the employment situation here remains very difficult, so the chances of being able to care for a relative and find some paid work are pretty slim”.
Minister Burton said that the system must be safeguarded from abuse. but that if cases were taken individually this issue could be eradicated.
“The operation of the scheme is kept under review to ensure it operates fairly and that applicants are not being refused without full and appropriate consideration”.
