The organisation that represents Ireland’s carers is pleading with the Government to tackle the problem in accessing respite care in October’s budget.

Family Carers Ireland has published its pre-budget submission with a demand for a new carer’s strategy that is properly funded.

They point out that Ireland’s carers contribute over six million hours of care each week – in a saving to the State of over €4bn a year.

Catherine Cox is head of communications with Family Carers Ireland: “We’re finding respite centres are being closed down, by HIQA, because they are being inspected, they are not meeting standards.

“While we welcome standards and inspection what we cannot have is a situation where centres are being closed down and no alternative respite is being offered.

“And unfortunately that is what is happening.”