Irish Examiner

ANY cuts to carers benefits will force thousands of people “to put their loved ones into State care,” further overcrowding the health service and adding billions to the Exchequer’s expenses.

Intellectual disability group Inclusion Ireland, has warned that despite Minister for Social and Family Affairs Mary Hanafin’s comments last week that the half-rate carers allowance was an “obvious target” for budget cuts, there is “no economic sense” in reducing the payments.

According to the group, at least 16,000 people with intellectual disabilities are cared for at home by their families, many of whom do not qualify for a full-rate carers allowance.

As a result, Inclusion Ireland chief executive Deirdre Carroll said that any plans “to take away what little financial support” is available would result in thousands of people across the country being left with no option but to put their relative into State care.

“Carers save the public coffers millions every year. It doesn’t make economic sense to cut benefits to carers,” explained Ms Carroll.

“Sixty-four percent of people with an intellectual disability — 16,366 out of a total population of 25,613 — live at home.

“Places in residential services cost the State at least €70,000 a year. If carers weren’t at home providing care, the State would have to pay. If any benefits to carers are cut, carers may have no choice but to stop caring at home.