A Roscommon TD is calling for legislation around a state pension for long term family carers to be accelerated.
Deputy Claire Kerrane believes family carers save the State billions of euro each year however many continue to lose out when they reach retirement.
In response to the Sinn Fein representative's concerns Minister Heather Humphreys confirmed the Department of Social Protection is working on producing the legislation with hopes it will be ready in the second half of this year.
However Claire Kerrane says family carers have already waited far too long and urgency is needed on the matter.
''Family carers in many cases, after a life time of care come to pension age and are unable to access a full state pension. I think a full state pension is the least they deserve. We are seeing moves now, the Government have been pushed into this by the Pension Commission Report which was published last year and this is welcome news but we need to see this legislation brought forward as quickly as possible. Later on this year is not good enough, carers are waiting far too long and I'm calling on the Minster now, we need to see this moved along much quicker.''
