A hidden army of more than 195,000 carers, including children under 10 years of age, are saving the State billions of euro through unpaid work.
The latest Census figures show that some 3,800 of this number are children and some of the country's 195,263 carers are aged in their 80s.
The shocking figures highlight how 29,311 carers are pensioners, which is a rise of 18.5pc in just five years.
As the population ages more older people are being cast in the role.
These pensioners are providing 1.43 million hours of care per week - a rise of 12pc in just five years.
There was a 34.7pc rise in carers aged 85 or older - an increase from 1,318 to 1,776 in five years.
The Family Carers Ireland organisation say the real number is likely to be 160,000 more because many don't identify themselves as carers until in crisis.
It is estimated that one in 20 people in Ireland is a family carer, collectively providing €10bn in unpaid care each year.
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