Tipperary family carers representative hits out at Government energy support measures

Family Carers Ireland Local Support Manager in Clonmel  Richie Molloy,  an Independent Member of Tipperary County Council, claimed family carers were left behind in the energy support package announced by the Government.

While acknowledging the Government’s emergency energy package announced today Cllr Molloy said he was deeply disappointed that the majority of family carers facing steep and unavoidable rises in home energy costs have been left behind.

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"While an extension of the Fuel Allowance will bring relief to some vulnerable households, the strict eligibility criteria attached to the scheme means that most full-time family carers do not qualify," he said.

Of particular concern, said Cllr Molloy is the failure to address home heating oil prices which have doubled in recent weeks.

"A two-cent per litre reduction will do nothing to support family carers who are simply unable to fill their tanks and are being forced to cut back on other essentials and fall behind on other bills just to keep their homes warm.

Family carers cannot reduce their energy consumption. Caring takes place in the home, often round the clock. Heating, hot water, electricity and laundry demands are significantly higher, and many rely on medical or assistive equipment that must remain powered at all times.

While a 22-cent cut in diesel and a 17-cent reduction in petrol will help ease transport costs, prices at the pump remain higher than just a few weeks ago - and family carers simply don’t have the option not to drive their loved ones to essential supports such as hospital appointments, disability services and therapies.

Despite saving the State billions by providing essential care that would otherwise fall to already stretched services, family carers have once again been left without meaningful inclusion in today’s response.

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Government must act now to close this gap by providing a once‑off additional energy support payment to all full-time family carers, regardless of Fuel Allowance eligibility, taking meaningful action to reduce the price of home heating oil, and committing to review whether further support is needed if costs continue to rise. This is a simple, practical and immediately deliverable step. Anything less is a decision to leave family carers and their loved ones behind," said Cllr Molloy.