The suggestion that An Bord Snip would examine the "Half Rate" Carers Allowance with a view to saving money must be immediately denounced by all sections of society. This was stated by Marian Harkin when she called for an immediate withdrawal of any proposal to make carers' the object of any Government cut backs.

Bearing in mind the huge monetary contribution to the national economy represented by the voluntary services of carers it was incomprehensible that An Bord Snip could contemplate proposing any cutback in carers' allowance, she said. "Anybody with any sense of economics could not possibly contemplate placing a further burden on hard pressed carers who save the State literally €Billions by ensuring that those who need care do not become dependent on the State. Indeed according to the 2006 Census Report carers contributed €2.5 Billion to the State by providing unpaid care for family dependents.

The value of dedicated expert care could be gauged by the fact that HSE cost for children in care ranged from €80,000 to an astounding €420,000 per child per annum with much of that care provided by untrained staff. When launching the Carers Consultation Report last June, Minister Hanafin said "we have made significant progress in recognising and acknowledging the enormous contribution carers make in looking after people who are elderly or have a disability in their own homes and communities".

"How can this statement be turned on its head within six months?" Marian Harkin asked.

"Financially this proposal is a nonsense as it would cost the State if even a small number of carers were to cease caring because of the hardship that would be inflicted by cutbacks. The presumption seems to be that carers will always care and that the State does not need to share the burden. Essentially the question for Government is carers care but do we?" Marian Harkin concluded.