Sir, – I am a full-time carer for my 17-year-old son. Now a single parent, once I was a middle-class wife of a public servant. Today I depend on welfare. Not what I had worked and hoped for as I now face 60. I receive unconditional love from my son. Love does not pay bills. I am angry that I am expected to live on less than many TDs get for expenses. I don’t feel valued in this State.
I depend on my respite grant to pay for oil and to buy in some care for my son so that his brother and I can have some care. I hear support from the public. Joan Burton should be encouraged to seek her funds elsewhere. And please, could she cease adding insult to injury by referring to carers as a cost to the State, when the evidence shows that we are a considerable resource.
We should be respected and protected in a practical manner. – Yours, etc,