Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 356: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in the interest of promoting equality for family carers, he will support the establishment of a national advisory group composed of carers, representative organisations, union representatives and employers' groups to advise his Department on the various areas of policy affecting carers and their families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34733/05]

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 360: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in the interest of promoting equality for family carers, he will support the establishment of a national advisory group made up of carers, representative organisations, union representatives and employers groups in order to advise the Departments of Social and Family Affairs, Health and Children, Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Health Service Executive on the various areas of policy affecting carers and their families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34761/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 256 and 360 together.

The Equality Authority appointed an advisory committee in March, 2004 to consider equality issues for family carers. The committee members represent carers' organisations, Departments with specific responsibilities in the area, NGOs, relevant State bodies and the social partners.

The work of the committee has involved providing an overview and an analysis of carers, caring situations and the policy context for caring, exploring a range of themes relevant to equality for carers and identifying issues relating to these and making recommendations to the board of the Equality Authority that would address the issues identified and contribute to equality for carers. I understand that the committee is currently in the process of finalising its report to the board of the Equality Authority and I look forward to its publication in the near future.