The Department of Social Protection has demanded a carer repay nearly €22,000 after a “year of hell” looking after his elderly father. 

Noel McCarthy’s father is 78 years old and moved in with his son after his wife passed away from cancer. 

On Lunchtime Live, Mr McCarthy said a nurse made it clear to him that his father would not be able to manage living by himself. 

 “At the time I was working in full time employment,” he explained. 

“But after three and a half years of looking after him, he had deteriorated and I had to give up work and then look for part time work. 

“Dad’s biggest health issue would be he’s a Type 1 diabetic of 56 years. 

“He has COPD and over the last few years, he has gone through multiple amputations on his toes.” 

Noel McCarthy's father. Image: Supplied.

Mr McCarthy’s father’s health is so poor that he has had several toes amputated over the years, with one even falling off in the living room. 

All in all, it has been Mr McCarthy said it had been a “year of hell”. 

“I don’t have time to think about it now,” he said. 

“Sometimes I do sit back and go, ‘Did my Dad’s toe really fall off in my living room?’ 

“It won’t surprise me if it comes back in later life to haunt me.” 

Noel McCarthy and his father. Image: Supplied.

Despite this, Mr McCarthy said he is “very much used to it” and also works 18.5 hours a week remotely to supplement the €260 a week he receives from the State in Carer’s Allowance. 

“If I was to live on carers, myself and my Dad would be homeless,” he said. 

“It wouldn’t cover my mortgage.” 

His company also pays him for his breaks, which he “always” spends caring for his father. 

To Mr McCarthy’s surprise, the Department of Social Protection took issue with this. 

“A letter came in saying, ‘Well, actually you’re in breach of the carer’s [allowance] rules, you’re working 22 hours,’” Mr McCarthy said. 

“I responded, ‘I physically work 18.5 hours a week, the 22 hours reflect my break.’” 

Noel McCarthy and his father. Image: Supplied.

Shocked, Mr McCarthy wrote back explaining that he does not work on his break - to no avail. 

“I get a letter 1st May, ‘We are going to revoke €21,890, your two years of pay,’” he recalled. 

“You can imagine the stress of this; I do not have that.” 

Mr McCarthy has now appealed to the Ombudsman, explaining the situation.

The Department of Social Protection has been contacted for comment.

Main image: Noel McCarthy and his father. Image: Supplied.