Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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161. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the facilities that are in place to assist family carers to avail of education and employment opportunities during their caring years and help them re enter the workforce when their caring role ends. [34031/13]

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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163. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the measures in place to support family carers so that they can avail of training and employment opportunities during their caring years to help them prepare to re-enter the workforce when their caring role ends; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33606/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 161 and 163 together.

The contribution that people provide in caring for members of their own family is critical for society and it was for that reason that the Government last year adopted the National Carers’ Strategy – with a view to giving greater public recognition to carers and their work. In recognition of supporting carers to maintain a link to the workforce, carers can work or engage in training for up to 15 hours a week outside the home. When the carer’s caring responsibilities come to an end, staff in the department’s local offices is available to discuss options such as further education and training opportunities.