Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

The development of a national carers' strategy is a key Government commitment in both the national partnership agreement, Towards 2016, and the programme for Government. The focus of the strategy is on supporting informal and family carers in the community. While social welfare supports for carers are a key issue in the strategy, other issues such as access to respite and other health services, education, training and employment are also important.

Co-operation between relevant Departments and agencies is essential if the provision of services, supports and entitlements for carers is to be fully addressed. For that reason, an interdepartmental working group, chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach, was established to develop the strategy. Developing the strategy involves consultation with Departments and bodies not represented on the working group. The Department of Social and Family Affairs, on behalf of the working group, has met with a wide range of organisations including the Equality Authority, Combat Poverty Agency and the Citizens Information Board.

A request for submissions from the public was published in regional newspapers in early March. The closing date for submissions was 18 April 2008. There was a good response from individuals and organisations and the submissions received are currently being examined.

Towards 2016 commits the Department to hosting an annual consultation meeting of carer representative groups and relevant Departments and agencies. Such a meeting was held on 23 January 2008. The theme was the national carers' strategy and groups were given an opportunity to comment on the draft terms of reference and to raise other issues considered relevant in the context of the strategy. It is intended to hold a second meeting with carer groups.

The commitment to the development of a national carers' strategy also includes a commitment to appropriate consultation with the social partners. The first of two consultation meetings with the social partners was held on 8 May 2008. Key issues raised were recognition for carers and their work, access to suitable health services, income support, training, gender issues and balancing employment and care.

It is intended to publish the strategy later this year. In the meantime, substantial improvements have been made to supports for carers as weekly payment rates have greatly increased to €214 per week for carers aged under 66 and €232 for carers aged over 66. The level of the respite care grant has been in creased to €1,700 per year. Qualifying conditions for carer's allowance have been eased, notably with the increased earnings disregards which now stand at €332.50 for a single person and €665 for a couple, thus exceeding the Towards 2016 commitments in this regard.

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