Local TD calls on Government to ease rules on qualifying for Carer's Allowance

The Carer's Allowance Social Welfare payment must be made more accessible to families according to a local TD.

Independent TD from Sligo/Leitrim, Marian Harkin, has called on the Government to remove the means test requirement for the payment.

Deputy Harkin claims just 25 per cent of family carers are in receipt of Carer's Allowance in the country with many failing to qualify due to the household means test.

Speaking in the Dail this week, she says many carers are being left behind when it comes to social welfare supports.

During questions to the Minister for Transport, Climate and Communications, the Sligo-Leitrim TD urged Eamon Ryan to grant the fuel allowance to those who qualify for carer's allowance.