Local Councillor calls for abolition of carer's allowance means test

A Roscommon Councillor is calling on the Government to abolish the means tested assessment for carer's allowance.

Councillor Tony Ward believes this would entice family members to care for a relative and in turn lower the number of older people waiting on home care services.

There are currently 93 people waiting on additional home care supports in Roscommon while a further 34 people are waiting for a home care worker to be appointed.

The Curraghboy native believes the Carer's Allowance should be exempt from a means assessment if the person who is being cared for has a full medical report in support of their condition.

Councillor Ward says people are spending unnecessary time in hospital while waiting on homecare.