The Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, has called on the Government to validate their support for care workers and those with disabilities. His statement implies that the Government has the power to enhance the allowances for such individuals, ease the means testing procedure, and augment the tax credit tied to home-care.
During his trip to the United States for St Patrick’s Day, Mr Varadkar proposed the idea of a more flexible parental leave system, granting parents greater autonomy in deciding their return to work. His comments follow a recent referendum where 73% of voters disapproved the phrasing of a constitutional amendment concerning family caregiving. Mr Varadkar shared with journalists: “We have to positively reveal to caregivers and people with disabilities that we back them and are championing their causes.”
He confirmed that Heather Humphreys, the Social Protection Minister, is presently examining a thorough review of means testing and an assortment of payments, with analysis into a state-pension provision for care workers.
“We are striving to enhance respite availability, which is currently lacking, as well as extend therapy and service provisions. Regrettably, these services are not yet at the levels they should be,” he added.
He pointed out that the challenge is not predominantly financial or due to an absence of caring from the Government, but lies in sourcing skilled individuals with the qualifications and willingness to be involved in the work, which, he admitted, has been a significant hurdle.