Debate contribution: Support for Carers

Debate contribution by Ms Claire Sugden on 10 February 2025.

MLA

Ms Claire Sugden

Party at the time

Independent

Date

10 February 2025

Type

Debate contribution

Business

Private Members' Business

Heading

Support for Carers

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 4791116

Read the official Assembly record

Text

I support the motion and the amendment. I commend Mr Carroll for bringing his first motion to the House after nine years in the Assembly, which is remarkable. The importance of the motion is to acknowledge the essential yet undervalued role of our unpaid carers. Thousands across Northern Ireland give their life to caring for loved ones, often at great personal and financial cost. They do not do it for recognition or reward, but that does not mean that they do not deserve more fairness, dignity and meaningful support from the Assembly and the Executive. As others have said, imagine what our society would look like without paid carers. The health and social care system in Northern Ireland would collapse; it is on the brink. We are taking their commitment for granted. Despite sacrifices, carers continue to be overlooked in our social security system. The reality is stark. Many are living in poverty, unable to afford even the basics, all the while providing the care that our overstretched health and social care system is not able to provide. Carer's allowance remains shockingly low, equating to just over £2 an hour for providing full-time care. Worse still, strict eligibility criteria mean that many who dedicate themselves to caring receive no financial support at all. That cannot continue. This is not a financial issue; it is a moral issue. Were it a financial issue, we would be asking for more. We must ask ourselves how acceptable it is that those who give so much to others are left struggling to survive. I recently spoke to a constituent who had to give up her career to care for her husband. She had no choice. The financial strain has been overwhelming for her, and the stress of navigating an inadequate support system has only added to that. She is not alone in that struggle, as we have heard from across the House. I strongly support the introduction of a carer's allowance supplement, because the evidence is clear: similar schemes elsewhere, such as the one in Scotland, have made a tangible difference in lifting carers out of hardship. It is a simple yet effective way to acknowledge their contribution and provide some financial breathing room for those who give so much of themselves. However, as others have said, the debate has to go beyond financial support, because being a carer is not just a role. It is an all-consuming responsibility that comes without proper respite and support. That respite does not exist. A constituent who was recently diagnosed with progressive cancer has an adult son with learning disabilities. He is terrified about what will happen to his son, not least because he cannot get respite now whilst he is here. People are being left physically, mentally and emotionally drained. Too many find themselves isolated, burned out and struggling to cope. If we truly value our carers, we must provide access to proper respite services, paid carer's leave and practical workplace support to allow them to balance caring responsibilities with employment, which is a significant part of their life. The stories speak for themselves. Many carers go for years without a break, sacrificing their own well-being. In a modern, compassionate society, which we would like to think that we are, that should not be the norm. We must create a system in which carers are not forced to choose between their survival and the well-being of those for whom they care. This is about principles. It is about recognising that, at some point in our life, every one of us may become a carer or rely on one. If we do not act now, we send a message that carers' sacrifices are expected but definitely not respected. I urge the Minister to explore bringing forward an additional carer's allowance. I appreciate the financial constraints, but we must start the conversation and get the ball rolling. I call on the Executive to deliver a cross-departmental approach that ensures that carers have the support that they need in the round.

672 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

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Assessed 21 October 2026 at 11:56 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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