Sinn Féin TD Sorca Clarke was responding to the motion brought before the Dáil by her party regarding increased supports for carers. 

Teachta Clarke said:

“I would like to welcome today’s vote in the Dáil to give carers the long overdue supports that they need. There are 500,000 family carers working unpaid hours in the state at this moment. The supports they deserve and in many cases desperately need have been delayed for far too long.

“So I welcome that the Dáil has voted to finally rectify this situation. It is, however, one thing to talk about doing something. The pressure must now be put on the government to implement the supports.

“Carers have been shown sympathy and crocodile tears by those in government repeatedly. They need more than sympathy, they need action. It is time now for the government to walk the walk when it comes to family carers.

“Sinn Féin will continue to hold the government to account for family carers and we will constructively support any positive measures they take. It is important now that this results in more than just platitudes. People are sick of hearing platitudes with no action following.

“Given the recent scandals on data collection from children with autism, many of whom were cared for by family, it is important now that the government rebuilds trust with these families. There is no more room for false promises.”