Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 234: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she has received submissions from the Carer's Association identifying the ongoing needs of carers and the importance of the service they provide in relieving the burden on hospitals and nursing homes; if it is intended to improve the operating conditions of the scheme with a view to acknowledging the social and economic role of the carer in a modern society; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31779/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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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. An inter-departmental/agency working group is currently developing the strategy. The group is chaired by the Department of An Taoiseach with the secretariat provided by my Department.

Developing the strategy involves a wide ranging consultation process which includes consultation with other government departments and bodies not represented on the working group. In addition, a request for submissions from the public was published in regional newspapers. There was a good response from individuals and organisations, including the Carers Association, and the submissions received are being examined.

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.

"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, including the Carers Association, 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. The issues raised in this report along with key issues raised in the consultation process will be considered as part of the development of the strategy.

In addition, to correspondence I have received from the Carers Association directly, I have also received representations from a number of colleagues on behalf of the organisation.

I was 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.