Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 486: To ask the Minister for Health when the national carers strategy (details supplied) will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28449/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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There is a commitment in the current Programme for Government to develop a National Carer's Strategy to support carers and the Government intends to honour this commitment. The Deputy will be aware that a comprehensive review of expenditure is underway in all Government Departments which is examining all areas of expenditure, including within the health services and it would not be appropriate at this time to pre-empt any decisions which might be taken as a result of that review and the preparation of Budget 2012 later this year in relation to the services described in the details supplied with the question. The HSE provides a range of services to assist people with care needs. As the Deputy's question also relates to service matters, I have referred these questions to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.