David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 412: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress made to date on the development of the national carers strategy; the expected publication date of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17201/07]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 426: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his intentions to extend entitlement to carer's benefit and allowance to those carers who work in excess of 15 hours per week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17536/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 412 and 426 together.

Supporting and recognising carers in our society has been a priority of the Government since 1997 and will continue as such during the coming term. Since 1997, weekly payment rates to carers have been greatly increased, qualifying conditions for carer's allowance have been significantly eased, coverage of the scheme has been extended and new schemes such as carer's benefit and the respite care grant have been introduced and extended.

One of the fundamental qualifying conditions for carer's allowance, carer's benefit and the respite care grant is that the person be providing full time care and attention to a person who needs such care. In June 2006, the number of hours a person may engage in employment, self employment, training or education outside the home and still be considered to be providing full time care and attention was increased from 10 to 15 hours per week.

I am pleased that one of the key Government commitments in the national partnership agreement Towards 2016 is the development of a National Carer's Strategy. This strategy, which will focus on supporting informal and family carers in the community, will be developed by the end of 2007. All relevant Departments and agencies will be involved and there will be appropriate consultation with the social partners. Departments are currently in discussions regarding the best way to advance the process.

In line with the Government's commitment to carers which is reflected in Towards 2016, I will keep the supports for carers available from my Department under review.