Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The programme for Government contained a commitment to publish a national carers' strategy by the end of 2007. Does the Taoiseach accept that the decision last week not to publish such a strategy has had a serious effect on the 160,000 family carers throughout the State who are providing an essential support service to people who in other circumstances would cost the Exchequer untold millions of euro? Will the Taoiseach heed the call of carers' representative groups to develop and publish a national carers' strategy in line with the commitment in the programme for Government? In recognition of the current economic difficulties, will he also note that carer groups are asking the Government to deliver on the non-pay elements? The Taoiseach should accept that there is an onus of responsibility on the Government in this respect.

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