MEP Marian Harkin donates to Family Carers in Laois/Offaly

Friday 25th September 2015, MEP Marian Harkin visited the Carers Association, Tullamore and presented them with a cheque for € 5,000 for supports for family carers in the Offaly/Laois area.  Marian has very kindly donated her TD’s pension to support family carers within her constituency which stretches from the West Coast to the midlands region and intends to make a number of similar presentations across the region.  She met with Family Carers from both Laois and Offaly at the Carers Association’s head office in Tullamore this morning and CEO, John Dunne thanked Marian not only for this extraordinary generous gesture but also for her continued support for family carers over many years not only in Ireland but also at a European level and in particular as a co-founder and leading figure in the interest group on family carers in the European Parliament.

Front Row (L to R):- Brigid Anderson, The Carers Association; Rose Dunne, Carer, Tullamore; Bernie Kennedy, The Carers Association, Laois Offaly; John Dunne, CEO, The Carers Association. Back Row (L to R): Caroline Poole, The Carers Association; Angela Briggs, Carer, Tullamore; Ann Brickland, Carer, Tullamore; Mary Egan, Carer, Killeigh; Martin Bracken, Carer, Clara; Florrie McLoughlin, Carer, Ballycumber; Declan Dunne, Carer, Cappincur; Mary Hughes, Carer, Kilbeggan and Catherine Cox, Head of Communications, The Carers Association.

Speaking at the event Marian acknowledged the work of family carers in our society and thanked them for their huge contribution.  She explained how she decided that instead of gifting her Oireachtas pension back to the state she would like to see it go to a worthy cause, that of Family Carers.  Marian also brings a group of family carers from her constituency to the European Parliament each year which again highlights her strong support for Family Carers.