Written answers

Tuesday, 6 July 2010

Department of Health and Children

Young Carers

10:00 am

Photo of David StantonDavid Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 317: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the action she will take regarding policies and services for young carers following the publication of the report study of young carers in the Irish population compiled by NUI Galway and commissioned by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30208/10]

Photo of Barry AndrewsBarry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The report on the Study of Young Carers in the Irish Population was published in May, 2010. As I indicated at the time, the study is preliminary and exploratory in nature. It is clear from the study that the identification of and reaching young carers is, in itself, challenging. In that respect the report highlights the importance of creating a better understanding of children as carers in Ireland.

My Office have requested the Central Statistics Office to include a question in its Census of Population 2011, to be asked of people of all ages, on whether they provide any unpaid personal help for a friend or family member with a long term-term illness, health problem or disability. I understand this will happen, and will improve our knowledge of the extent to which children and young people in the population are involved in caring activities.

It is also clear that the response to the needs of young carers will need to be cross-sectoral, multidepartmental and multi-agency. It is anticipated that further assessment of how to better identify young carers and co-ordinate existing supports will be undertaken in the new National Children's Strategy in conjunction with the relevant Departments and agencies including the Department of Social Protection, the Department of Education and the Health Service Executive.

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