Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 5:

In page 5, before section 1, to insert the following new section:

"1.—The Minister for Social and Family Affairs shall, within 3 months of the commencement of this targeted supports Act, lay before each House of the Oireachtas, a report on the introduction of targeted social and community supports for young carers.".

As the Minister will be aware, a sizeable number of young people act as carers and do vital work in their families. Does the national carer's strategy include proposals to help young people who perform this role? While canvassing in their constituencies politicians encounter young persons, often teenagers, who act as a parent to younger siblings or look after a parent who may have a disability. As the Bill does not make any provision for this group, has the Minister suggested that the national carer's strategy group recommend the provision of additional home help or other useful measures?

Some children miss out on education and do not attend school every day due to problems at home or because they are needed to care for a sick relative, usually a parent. Young children in this position need assistance. Their education and social life should not suffer on account of the work they must do or the demands placed on them by their families. How will the national carer's strategy deal with this group? What progress has been made on the strategy?