National Council of Family Carers: April 2026 Update

You Spoke - We Listened

Summary of Family Carers Ireland’s response to feedback from the National Council of Family Carers and Local Assemblies

Family carers convened via 17 Local Assemblies in January and February 2026 to gather views on the Eight Pillars of Change, included in Family Carers Ireland's pre-budget campaign last year, in preparation for Budget 2027.

Family carers told us:

• The Eight Pillars of Change still reflect what matters most.
• Some areas need a stronger focus - especially income security, long-term planning, housing, respite, young carers and reducing administrative burdens.
• Carers would like to be more involved in the campaign and want ongoing updates on what Family Carers Ireland is doing.

What Family Carers Ireland is doing next:

• We will continue using the Eight Pillars of Change and explore adding a ninth pillar on ‘planning ahead’ and more focus on ‘young carers’.
• Our Pre-Budget Working Group will plan stronger political engagement and practical opportunities for family carers to get involved locally and nationally.
• We will continue to communicate with family carers through newsletters, updates, and local support team meetings.
• The Management teams within Family Carers Ireland and our Board of Directors have reviewed the feedback to ensure carers’ voices guide future decisions.

Family Carers Ireland is listening - and your voice is driving real change and guiding how we support family carers in the year ahead. We are focusing on:

• Following through on the issues you raise wherever we can.
• Ensuring decision-makers act on assembly feedback through our pre-budget submission and scorecard report — your voice goes directly to policymakers.
• Putting carers’ voices at the centre of Family Carers Ireland’s strategy by building your input into our annual workplans.

To register for our Local Assemblies taking place in May 2026, please click here.