Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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269. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the steps he will take to make employees aware of their entitlement to carer's benefit and carer's leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7813/15]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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The National Carer’s Strategy published in 2012 by the Department of Health, sets out the strategic direction for policies, services and supports provided for carers. This strategy, prepared in consultation with carers, established the key priorities to support carers given scarce resources and a Carers’ Forum is held annually to continue to give carers a voice at policy level.The Department of Social Protection actively promotes its services, including the Carer’s Benefit Scheme, through its network of Local Offices and Citizens Information Offices. That Department is committed under the National Carer’s Strategy to publicise the supports available to carers, and will attend events during 2015 to promote the schemes available. The Department of Social Protection facilitates the annual Carer’s Forum and frequently liaises with carers support groups throughout the country. Detailed information on Carer’s Benefit and Carer’s Leave is available on that Department’s website at www.welfare.ie.

My Department, through the information and support services for employees and employers available at will continue to provide information on employment rights, including the Carer’s Leave Act 2001, and I will continue to encourage employers and employees to provide flexible workplaces that meet the needs of both the employer and employees.