Donegal Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Support for Carers

Published: 28 April, 2009

Jim McLaughlin Sinn Fein Candidate for the Donegal Electoral Area has called for increased support at a local level for family carers: "With the Government's recent announcement that they have put the National Carers Strategy on the back burner, it is important that we look at solutions at a local level to support family carers in our community. There are over 161,000 family carers in the State and many find themselves isolated and under considerable stress both financially and on a personal level". McLaughlin added: "As chairman of the Donegal Family Resource Centre we aim to assist family carers by establishing a support group in the South Donegal area. It is important that family carers have a voice and an opportunity for a break, as often care is provided 24 hours a day, 7 days per week".