Written answers

Wednesday, 28 March 2012

Department of Health

National Carers Strategy

9:00 pm

Photo of Ciara ConwayCiara Conway (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 244: To ask the Minister for Health when he intends to bring the carer's strategy before the Committee on Health and Children for consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17054/12]

Photo of Kathleen LynchKathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The development of a National Carers Strategy 'to support carers and to address issues of concern' is a key commitment in the current Programme for Government.

The Strategy will address the needs of informal and family carers. It will be conceptual and visionary and will establish a number of high-level principles, goals and objectives and a road map to implementation. The State already faces challenges in maintaining existing levels of services from within limited resources and the Strategy is being developed in that context. The Strategy will not be an operational plan but will set the strategic direction for future services and supports for carers in recognition of their role and contribution to maintaining children, adults and older people with physical or mental health difficulties in their own homes.

While issues relating to carers span a number of different Departments, the Taoiseach has allocated responsibility for co-ordination of the preparation of the Strategy to me with the support of the Minister for Social Protection. Work on developing the Strategy is on-going and a consultation process with other Departments is currently taking place. It is hoped that a draft will be completed shortly as a basis for final consultation prior to submission to Government for a decision on future progress.

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