Independent MEP Marian Harkin today (8 December) slammed the Irish government's decision to cut state supports for Carers in the 2011 Budget, arguing that this "careless" move will prove a step backwards from ensuring future prosperity.

Harkin, a longtime agitator for Carers' rights and Chair of the European Parliament Carers Interest Group, said the reduction in the national Carers Allowance and cuts to Carers' tax breaks "might save money in the short term, but could cost the country dearly in the long run".

The Ireland North & West MEP noted that there has been growing recognition at EU level of the vital need to provide stronger support systems to Carers in the coming decades, as the number of older EU citizens increases rapidly.

"It is an unfortunate irony that in the same week EU Employment Ministers for the first time make explicit reference to the vital role Carers will play in the future prosperity of the Union, the Irish government saw fit to undermine the support systems needed for Carers in our own country," she noted.

Harkin concluded that the government's cut was "badly out of sync with the growing realisation across Europe that Carers will be vital pillars of a future European society that remains grounded in the principles of fairness and social solidarity".

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Background: In the document "Council Conclusions on the impact of an ageing workforce and population on employment policies," European Employment and Social Affairs Ministers meeting in Brussels on December 6-7 adopted a number of Conclusions relating to the importance of carers for the future prosperity of the EU.