Independent TD for Donegal, Thomas Pringle, said family carers must be prioritised in the Covid-19 vaccine roll-out.
Deputy Pringle said they should be considered as frontline workers.
“Is caring for a family member at home not frontline,” he asked.
“Are carers not that person’s lifeline, their connection to the outside world, often administering medication and transporting them to and from medical appointments.”
Deputy Pringle addressed the Dáil today in support of a private member’s bill that would prioritise carers in the vaccine roll-out, increase the carer’s allowance and carer’s benefit, and provide other supports to family carers.
Family Carers Ireland estimate that carers save the Exchequer around €20 billion and provide about 19 million unpaid hours per week.
