Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow, John Brady, has called on the government to finally deliver on its promise to abolish the means test for carers, describing it as long overdue and essential in Budget 2026. He confirmed that he has written directly to the Minister for Social Protection to urge action, following an increase in constituents contacting him after being denied Carer’s Allowance, despite providing full-time care and attention, as outlined in legislation.
“Time and time again, I am contacted by people who provide round-the-clock care for loved ones yet are denied access to Carer’s Allowance because of an outdated and unfair means test. These are people who are meeting the exact definition of full-time care and attention but are being punished financially for doing what is best for those they love”.
Deputy Brady highlighted the injustice in the current system, noting that many family carers save the state enormous sums of money by enabling people to remain in their homes with dignity, rather than the state providing their care.
“Carers are doing the work that the State would otherwise have to pay dearly for. They are keeping loved ones at home, giving them comfort and dignity, and saving the government tens of millions in care costs. Yet these same carers are excluded from supports because of means testing. It is shameful”.
Deputy Brady also paid tribute to organisations such as Family Carers Ireland, who continue to highlight the realities faced by carers every day.
“Family Carers Ireland do incredible work in advocating for carers, and their recent figures are stark – there are 299,128 unpaid carers in the State, and 74% say they do not receive sufficient formal support. That should be ringing alarm bells in Government buildings”.
With the lead up to Budget 2026 now underway, Brady said the Government must put its money where its mouth is and finally deliver on promises made before the last General Election.
“Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil all stood on doorsteps promising to abolish the means test for Carer’s Allowance. That promise has not been kept. Budget 2026 is their chance to put it right. This cannot be another broken commitment made to win votes”.
“It is time to stop punishing people who are doing the work the State should be doing. Carers deserve the full support of the State for the work they do. Sinn Féin is clear – we support the full abolition of the means test, and we are demanding that it is delivered in this upcoming budget”.