91. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Social Protection to outline the key priorities raised by carers and representative organisations at the Annual Carers’ Forum held in May 2026; the priority actions identified by his Department arising from the forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46290/26]

I am committed to supporting the Annual Carers’ Forum and was pleased to present at this year’s event which took place on 7 May. The purpose of the Forum is to ensure that family carers have a direct voice at policy level and to provide an opportunity for engagement between officials and those experiencing care issues first-hand.

Family Carers Ireland and Care Alliance Ireland partnered with my Department in organising the Forum. The event brought together family carers, carer organisations and officials from across Government. I want to sincerely thank all those who participated and who shared their personal experiences.

A wide range of issues were discussed on the day including proposals relating to the Carer’s Allowance means test and to improve access to supports. Carers also raised operational issues such as the 18.5-hour work limit, the application processes, and challenges in transitioning from Domiciliary Care Allowance to Disability Allowance at age 18.

Broader cross-Government issues were also highlighted in the workshops, including access to respite, the affordability of assessments, continuity between children’s and adult services, mental health supports for carers, housing, transport and the need for more proactive planning. Young carers also identified key priorities, including better identification and support within schools, financial safeguards and social opportunities.

A comprehensive note of proceedings has now been published on my Department’s website www.gov.ie/carersforum. A video of the event is also available online, along with the presentation delivered on the day.

As part of the annual budgetary process my Department invites pre-Budget submissions from representative bodies and hosts an annual Pre-Budget Forum which will be held on 1 July this year. This will provide a further opportunity for me to engage in the context of the next Budget.