A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending a young carers conference. Senator Clonan was also in attendance that day. It was a very enlightening day that was held in University College Dublin, UCD. It was bringing awareness to the fact that, according to Family Carers Ireland, we had an estimated 67,000 young carers in Ireland who were carrying out unpaid care in the family caring for siblings who may have disabilities, parents with disabilities, illnesses or even addiction issues, or grandparents.

Many do not self identify as carers and do not realise they may be entitled to support. It is very important that we create awareness of this in order that young people know they are providing unpaid care and are entitled to support.

We need to create awareness in society in general, but in particular across the education sector. Many young people aged ten to 17 are in education. There are thousands more between the age of 18 and 24 who are also providing unpaid care within the family. This affects their ability to socialise and mix with friends or participate in activities outside of the home. It affects their school attendance and ability to keep up with their studies in the school system. Many young carers have mental health issues and experience loneliness. I want to create awareness of the fact that many young people provide care. We need to identify that this is happening and provide supports for those young people.