Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 202: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when she will publish the national carers strategy. [6639/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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During 2008, an interdepartmental group, chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach, undertook work, to develop a National Carers' Strategy. The Departments of Finance, Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Health and Children, and Social and Family Affairs, as well as the Health Services Executive (HSE) and FÁS were represented on the group. The group met on six occasions during 2008 and the expertise of other Departments and Agencies was drawn on as particular issues were being considered. Discussions were also held with colleagues in Northern Ireland. A wide ranging consultation process was also undertaken which included a meeting with the social partners; two meetings with carer representative groups; and a public consultation process.

While each of the themes set out in the terms of reference was examined in terms of the current position, because of the prevailing economic situation, it was not possible to agree future targets or time limits which could be achieved. In that context, rather than publishing a document which did not include any significant plans for the future, the then Government decided not to publish a strategy.

The Government is committed in the Programme for Government to developing a carers' strategy. It will consider how to progress the development of the strategy, taking into account the prevailing economic realities.