It’s claimed significant numbers of family carers in Clare are having to cut back on essentials like food and heating as they struggle to make ends meet.
In its pre-budget submission, Family Carers Ireland is calling for carers payments to rise to €325 a week, warning that many are being pushed deeper into financial hardship and social isolation.
The charity’s new State of Caring 2026 report reveals that 76% of carers are reducing non-essential spending, with 29% behind on utility bills and 15% falling into arrears with rent or mortgage payments.
Clare Family Carer Support Manager, Fiona Hartigan says one of the biggest challenges facing carers locally is the cost of paying for private services because of long public waiting lists.
Listen to the full interview here
