Local Sinn Féin TD, Cathy Bennett, last week challenged the government to match their words with action when it comes to family carers.
Deputy Bennett said that the issues in the sector are "well-documented so too are negative impacts they have upon those in need of care."
Deputy Bennett "thanked" all carers for all the great work that they do in performing essential work for our communities.
She believes the carer's means test "needs to be abolished" and the pay and conditions of workers "needs to be regulated to address, recruit, and retain workers in these care settings."
Speaking to Northern Sound, the local TD says we need to begin respecting, delivering and caring for our carers.
As a result, she is calling on the Minister to "take action"
Deputy Bennett continued; "A total of 72% of home carers never receive respite. Nearly half of carers are paying for products or services privately that should be paid for publicly. A total of 69% are struggling financially while nearly a third were cutting back on essentials such as food and heat or missing mortgage payments and 76% reported moderate to severe loneliness.
"Some families cannot get carers and we wonder why when we look at the conditions they have to work under? The Minister needs to take action. It is within her power to address these failures.
"The carer's means test needs to be abolished and the pay and conditions of workers needs to be regulated to address, recruit, and retain workers in these care settings. We need to begin respecting, delivering and caring for our carers."
