Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 98: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress to date on the national carers strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18695/08]

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 114: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the consultation that has taken place to date on the national carers strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18697/08]

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 129: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when the national carers strategy will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18696/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 98, 114 and 129 together.

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.

A working group, chaired by the Department of An Taoiseach, has begun work on developing the strategy. My Department provides the secretariat to the working group which also includes representatives of the Departments of Finance, Health and Children and Enterprise, Trade and Employment as well as FÁS and the Health Service Executive. To date, the working group has met on three occasions, in February March and April.

Developing the strategy involves consultation with other government departments and bodies not represented on the working group. The Department of Social and Family Affairs has met with a wide range of organisations including the Equality Authority, Combat Poverty Agency, Citizen's Information Board, the National Council on Ageing and Older People, the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the National Disability Authority.

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

"Towards 2016" commits the DSFA to hosting an annual consultation meeting of carer representative groups and relevant government departments and agencies. Such a meeting was held on 23 January 2008. Representatives of 12 groups and 9 departments and agencies attended.

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 that a further meeting with carer groups will be held in early summer.

The commitment to the development of a National Carers' Strategy also includes a commitment to appropriate consultation with the social partners. An update in relation to the strategy was provided to the social partners plenary session in February. The first of two consultation meetings with the social partners was the commitment to the development of a National Carers' Strategy also includes a commitment to appropriate consultation with the social partners. An update in relation to the strategy was provided to the social partners plenary session in February. 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.