Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

The working group has been established under the chairmanship of the Department of the Taoiseach. All the different agencies and stakeholders are involved in the process and it is intended to publish the strategy later this year. That is important work and was well rehearsed in Towards 2016 and in the social partnership arena.

On amendment No. 25, the issue of dealing with young carers is a matter for the Minister of State with responsibility for children within the Department of Health and Children. It has not been transferred but remains there, which is appropriate. The 2004 report from the children's research centre recommended there be further research in this area. More quality research is required and that is being undertaken by the Department of Health and Children and will look at this important area. We need to fully understand all the facts involved.

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