Written answers

Wednesday, 24 September 2008

Department of Social and Family Affairs

National Carers Strategy

9:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 1273: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she has received correspondence from the Carers Association regarding the Government's National Agreement Towards 2016 to develop a national carer's strategy; her plans to address same in the short, medium and long term; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30377/08]

Photo of David StantonDavid Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 1356: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if work has been completed on the National Carers Strategy; when he will publish same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31286/08]

Photo of Mary HanafinMary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1273 and 1356 together.

The development of a National Carers' Strategy is a key Government commitment in both the national partnership agreement, Towards 2016, and the Agreed Programme for Government. A working group, chaired by the Department of An Taoiseach, is working 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.

Developing the strategy involves consultation with other government departments and bodies not represented on the working group. The Department 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 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 being examined.

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

I was very pleased to launch the report Listening to Carers: Report on a Nationwide Carer Consultation, produced by the Carers Association in partnership with Caring for Carers Ireland and Care Alliance on 30th of June this year. The issues raised in this report are currently being considered as part of the development of the strategy. In addition to the correspondence I have received from the Carers Association direct. The issues raised in this report are currently being considered as part of the development of the strategy. In addition to the correspondence I have received from the Carers Association directly, I have also received representations from a number of colleagues on behalf of the organisation.

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.

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