Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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393. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will provide an update on the implementation and advancement of the recommendations outlined in the Study of Young Carers in the Irish Population; his views on developing a national framework of supports and policy guidelines for young carers in the education system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32795/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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"The Study of Young Carers in the Irish Population”, published by the then Department of Health and Children in 2010, highlights the importance of creating a better understanding of children as carers in Ireland. It found that it is very difficult to identify young carers in the population.

In order to learn more about children that undertake caring roles, my Department requested the Central Statistics Office to include a question in the Census of Population 2011. The Census found that 6,449 children, equating to 5.6 per 1,000 children, provided regular unpaid personal help for a friend or family member with a long-term illness, health problem or disability. Rates ranged from 4.3 per 1,000 in Co. Louth to 8.2 per 1000 in Co. Leitrim. Under the National Strategy for Research and Data on Children’s Lives (2011-2016), an analysis is being carried out of those children who reported in the 2011 Census that they undertook caring roles. This analysis will be published in early 2016 and will be examined to see how it can help inform future policy as to how best to address the support needs of children and young people who undertake caring roles. It is planned to have another Census of Population in April 2016. This Census will include the same question again using exactly the same wording in order to allow the data from 2011 to be trended forward.

School Attendance Strategy Guidelines are being published by the Educational Welfare Service (EWS) of TUSLA as a practical support for schools in the preparation of School Attendance Strategies as outlined in Section 22 of the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000. The guidelines will assist schools to implement effective measures to support children at risk of poor attendance and participation, including those with caring responsibilities. It is intended that they will be circulated to schools in October 2015. TUSLA is in the process of refining and implementing a new strategic approach to service delivery through the integrated working of its service strands.

Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures, the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People 2014-2020was launched in April 2014. One of the key policy priorities under Outcome 5 – Connected, respected and contributing to their world – is the aim to ensure positive networks of family, friends and communities. The Government recognises in Better Outcomes, Brighter Futuresthat children or young people may experience difficulties maintaining friendships, education and employment due to the need for them to take on caring responsibilities within their families. The key Government activity in this area is to ensure children and young people are supported in their caring role.