Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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1264. To ask the Minister for Health if a new and updated national carers’ strategy will be published with a dedicated budget and time frame to ensure the implementation of all actions; if so, the time frame for publication of the strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20374/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is responsible for coordinating the cross-departmental 2012 National Carers’ Strategy, which sets the strategic direction for future policies, services and supports provided by Government Departments and agencies for family carers. The Strategy contains actions to recognise, support and empower carers to manage their physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing across four national goals:

- Recognise the value and contribution of carers and promote their inclusion in decisions relating to the person they are caring for;

- Support carers to manage their physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing;

- Support carers to care with confidence through the provision of adequate information, training, services and supports;

- Empower carers to participate as fully as possible in economic and social life.

My Department is engaging with key stakeholders including other Government Departments and voluntary organisations on ways to improve supports for family carers.  This work will continue in the coming months with a view to supporting carers in the best way possible to continue to sustain their caring journey. I am more than happy to meet with family carer representative organisations as this work progresses.