Time for Government to make ‘care’ a public policy priority

It is long past time for Government to make care a public policy priority and to put in place the supports for families, communities and individuals to ensure that those who need care can access it at all stages across the lifespan. By adopting an inclusive approach to care, we can address the diverse needs of individuals and communities while promoting principles of equity, solidarity, and sustainability.

 

The notion of care has often been undervalued and inadequately addressed within policy frameworks. Yet, the receiving and giving of care is woven through the life cycle, in early years, later years and for some, throughout all stages of their lives. Carers, whether paid or unpaid, in all capacities, are the linchpin of this fundamental pillar of human dignity and contribute significantly to society each year. As we navigate through an era marked by profound demographic shifts, economic transformations, and evolving social dynamics, the imperative to prioritise care within our societies becomes increasingly evident. Care is a fundamental value and practice that covers a broad spectrum of actions, responsibilities, and attitudes aimed at supporting the well-being and development of individuals, communities, and environments.

National Social Monitor: Care 

This edition of National Social Monitor: Care launched today examines ten dimensions across society and makes policy proposals that would deliver real progress on eradicating child poverty. 

National Social Monitor: Care – main findings:

Housing

Secure, affordable, suitable housing could be considered the primary site for care. However, every month brings new record high numbers for families accessing emergency homeless accommodation. Taking just a snapshot of December’s figures since 2015, over 11,000 families have been without a secure base from which to care for health, education, social inclusion and community needs.

• Government must expand the remit of Housing First in Budget 2025 to homeless families accessing emergency accommodation and ultimately end the need for family hubs by providing suitable long-term alternatives for families experiencing homelessness.

Health

The area of mental health is one requiring urgent attention. Amongst the issues faced by people trying to access mental health services are waiting lists, with over 17,500 people (children and adults) waiting for treatment from a psychologist in March 2023, and over 6,300 waiting for over a year. The Mental Health Commission notes that this issue requires a targeted national capital plan.

• Government must Institute long-term planning and investment in the sector, acknowledging the impending demographic changes in Ireland, to ensure that we can cope with these changes and increase funding for CAMHS.

Work

Given the current strength of the labour market, major emphasis should be placed on those who are trapped in long term unemployment – particularly those with the lowest education levels. Previous experiences, in Ireland and elsewhere, have shown that many of those under 25 and many of those over 55 find it challenging to return to employment after a period of unemployment. This highlights the danger of long-term unemployment and the potential for the emergence of a structural unemployment problem. A major commitment to retraining and reskilling will be required in the years ahead.

• Government must recognise the challenges of long-term unemployment and of precarious employment and adopt targeted policies to address these and resource the up-skilling of those who are unemployed.

Governance and Participation

Access to justice is a basic human right, however in order to achieve equality of access, there must be a balance of power on both sides. In a legal context, the balance of power almost always rests with those who can afford counsel. Redressing this balance requires the availability of free and low-cost legal services to those who need advice but who cannot afford the costs associated with it.

• Government must adequately fund the Legal Aid Board.

Rural Development

The amount of money required to achieve the Minimum Essential Standard of Living (MESL) ranges from an estimated €167 per week higher for rural couples with younger children (pre-school and primary age), to €164 per week for rural couples with children of primary and second-level school age, than for their urban counterparts. Higher costs in 2023 related to household energy, transport, fuel, and food (as was the case in 2020, 2021 and 2022), however, these costs increased significantly between 2022 and 2023.

• Government must ensure rural development policy is underpinned by social, economic, and environmental wellbeing.