Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

477. To ask the Minister for Health if he will ring fence funding for the implementation of phase two of the national carers strategy 2017-2021, as committed to by the Taoiseach during the first national carers' strategy, which was cost-neutral; the amount of moneys that will be made available to this strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20844/16]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The National Carers’ Strategy was published in July 2012 and sets the strategic direction for future policies, services and supports provided by Government Departments and agencies for carers.

It sets out a Vision to work towards and an ambitious set of National Goals and Objectives to guide policy development and service delivery to ensure that carers feel valued and supported to manage their caring responsibilities with confidence and are empowered to have a life of their own outside of caring.

The Goals and Objectives set out in the Strategy are not time limited but will remain valid into the future, and if their implementation can be meaningfully advanced we can make concrete and positive differences to the lives of carers and those they care for. It is for this reason that we have recommitted in the Programme for a Partnership Government to Implementing the Carers Strategy in full. The form and structure of the Strategy does not facilitate the inclusion of specific budgetary allocations, but the arrangements for engagement between stakeholders and relevant Departments and agencies allow discussion and agreement to be pursued at a more detailed level. It is this engagement that can promote progressive improvements in the supports and services available for Carers.

However, the Strategy provides ample scope for stakeholders to update their priorities and to seek more specific commitments from relevant Departments and agencies in that context, and I will be happy to facilitate this.