Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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507. To ask the Minister for Health to provide an update on progress to finalise an updated national carers’ strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45898/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Family carers are key enablers of Government policy to support people to live with dignity and independence in homes and communities of their choosing for as long as possible by providing vital care to some of our most vulnerable citizens. The essential role that family carers play in the provision of care in Ireland is fully recognised and appreciated by me and my Department. Every day, family carers through their selfless hard work, knowledge and compassion enhance the quality of life of the most vulnerable in our society.

Government policy on family carers is set out in the 2012 National Carers' Strategy, which provides the strategic direction for future policies, services and supports provided by Government departments and agencies for carers. The Strategy is designed around a core vision which recognises and respects carers as key care partners who are supported to maintain their own health and well-being, care with confidence and participate as fully as possible in economic and social life. Oversight of the Strategy is led by my department, with individual Government departments leading on action areas under their remit.

Before commencing work on updating the National Carers' Strategy, consideration is being given regarding the approach and the breadth of stakeholder consultation. A review of the Strategy, carried out by Care Alliance Ireland and University College Cork in 2021, found that over 90% of carers felt the actions in the Strategy were still relevant and wanted them retained.

In March, I established with Minister Humphreys an interdepartmental working group examining supports for family carers. Membership of the group includes my department, the Department of Social Protection and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

The interdepartmental working group will report its findings to me and the Ministers for Social Protection and Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth once finalised.