Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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270. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if consideration will be provided to implementing an initiative, similar to the Carer Positive initiative in Scotland, which recognises employers who offer support to working carers and encourages them to allow working carers the flexibility they need to balance employment with their caring responsibilities at home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7814/15]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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I understand that Carers Scotland, a charitable organisation, has received funding to develop Carer Positive, a ‘caring for carers’ kitemark to recognise employers who offer the best support to carers, allowing them the flexibility they often need to deliver care at home. I understand it is overseen by an Advisory Group of key stakeholders that have supported the development of the kitemark. This has included the NHS; Scottish Chambers of Commerce; Scottish Council for Development and Industry; Federation of Small Businesses; Institute of Directors; the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development; Carers organisations; British Telecom; British Gas; HMRC, the Scottish Court Service, STUC; Unison; Healthy Working Lives and ‘see me’ Scotland.

In Ireland, 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. I am not aware of any proposals to divert funds to replicate the Scottish position at this time.

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