1 in 10 people provide round the clock care with very little support.
Family Carers Ireland is calling on the next government to give full-time family carers a right to 20 days of respite each year.
The Tullamore based charity is holding it's annual National Respite Weekend in Cork this year, highlighting that one in ten people here in Ireland provide round the clock care with very little support.
Sinead Tighe is one mum providing full time care for her 12 year old son Daniel who has a rare genetic condition.
She says the government just doesn't seem to 'get it'.