Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 643: To ask the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding family carers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32225/12]

Kathleen 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. While issues relating to carers span a number of different Departments, the Taoiseach allocated responsibility for the preparation of the Strategy to me in my capacity as Minister for Equality, Disability, Mental Health and Older People. Consultations with other Departments and with national organisations representing carers have taken place and a draft has been completed for submission to Government in July, requesting formal adoption and publication of same.

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. It will be cross-departmental, conceptual and visionary and will establish a number of high-level principles, goals and objectives and a road map to implementation.