Tony Gregory
Ceist:144 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Finance if he has agreed to meet representatives of the Carers Association Limited to discuss their proposals submitted to his Department. [6070/98]
Written Answers - Carers Association.
Dick Spring
Ceist:152 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Finance if he will meet with representatives of the Carers Association, as requested by that organisation. [5549/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 144 and 152 together.
I said in my budget speech that I would be examining, for the next budget, the possibility of introducing a new relief for those in the home looking after a family member in need of care. A working group has been established by my Department with the Department of Health and Children and the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs to consider how to devise a targeted relief at a reasonable cost which will complement health and social welfare policy objectives in this area.
The working group had already commenced its work and I understand that they have already decided to meet the Carers Association. A letter to this effect has issued to the association.