The Dáil will debate a Social Democrats’ motion on Wednesday (October 1) calling for the abolition of the means test for Carer’s Allowance in next week’s Budget.
Liam Quaide TD, who is the party’ spokesperson on social protection, said:
“Pre-budget kite-flying by the government over the weekend suggests there will be modest increases in income disregards for Carer’s Allowance. However, this will not resolve the underlying unfairness of the means test, which leaves many carers ineligible for support.
“Our motion is seeking the complete abolition of the means test, effective from January 1, 2026. This would be long overdue recognition for the extraordinary contribution of carers who provide full-time care to family members with disabilities, chronic illnesses or age-related needs – often at considerable personal, financial and emotional cost.
“Family carers play a critical role in the Irish care system, providing unpaid labour that saves the State more than €20 billion every year; preventing avoidable hospital admissions; and enabling many people to remain safely in their own homes and communities.
“But despite their immense contribution to this country, thousands of carers are affected by social and financial hardship, with many experiencing isolation, stress and difficulty balancing caring responsibilities with paid employment.
“With care responsibilities falling disproportionately on women, the means test results in blatant gender inequality. The State is effectively sending a message to women that their work is not real unless their household is poor enough. This reinforces dependence, limits autonomy, and perpetuates gender discrimination.
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“Notably, the Programme for Government only states it will continue to increase the income disregards for Carer’s Allowance in each Budget with a view to phasing out the means test during the lifetime of the 34th Dáil.
“Our family carers deserve more than incremental reform. The immediate abolition of the means test is a necessary step towards creating a more equitable, transparent and humane social welfare system that recognises the contribution of all carers, including those who are currently excluded due to household income.”
September 30, 2025
NOTE: Full text of motion here