Mayo Minister engages with carers at annual forum

The Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary TD addressed the Annual Carers’ Forum in Dublin today, engaging with family carers, carer organisations and departmental officials.

The Annual Carers’ Forum provides an opportunity for Government Departments, carer organisations and family carers to discuss the issues that affect family carers on a day-to day basis.

This year’s forum included themed workshops on health, social protection supports, transport, housing for people with disabilities and older individuals, and issues affecting young carers. These sessions supported open discussion and provided insights into how Government policies impact carers and those they support.

Speaking at the event, Minister Calleary said:

“Family carers are the backbone of care in Ireland. As Minister for Social Protection, I continue to work closely with carers and carer organisations. The Annual Carers’ Forum is an important opportunity for me to gain deeper insight into the issues they encounter and to hear their concerns directly.”

“This year will bring even stronger financial supports for carers. The income disregards for Carer’s Allowance will increase to €1,000 for single carers and €2,000 for couples, the highest in the scheme’s history. The Carer’s Support Grant of €2,000 will be paid on June 4, providing further support to full time carers across the country.”

“These changes mean more families will be able to receive the support they need. “Today’s event serves as a reminder of the value of partnership and open dialogue. “Many of the improvements for carers have emerged from their firsthand insights. I remain dedicated to maintaining this ongoing engagement.”

The Programme for Government sets out an ambitious agenda for supporting carers, in particular, its aim is to phase out the means test for Carer’s Allowance over the lifetime of this Government. This has been a key priority for carers and their representative groups.

Government Departments and agencies represented at today’s forum included the Department of Social Protection, Department of Health; the Department of Children, Disability and Equality; the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage; the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, the Department of Transport; the National Transport Authority, and Tusla.

A note of the proceedings of the Annual Carers’ Forum 2026 is available here.