Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 March 2012
188 Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health the progress of the national carers’ strategy; and the timeframe for its delivery in view of the vital role played by carers in communities across the country. [13348/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe development of a National Carers Strategy "to support carers and to address issues of concern" is a key commitment in the current Programme for Government. While issues relating to carers span a number of different Departments, the Taoiseach has allocated responsibility for co-ordination of the preparation of the Strategy to me with the support of the Minister for Social Protection.
The Strategy will address the needs of informal and family carers. It will be conceptual and visionary and will establish a number of high-level principles, goals and objectives and a road map to implementation. The State already faces challenges in maintaining existing levels of services from within limited resources and the Strategy is being developed in that context. The Strategy will not be an operational plan but will set the strategic direction for future services and supports for carers in recognition of their role and contribution to maintaining children, adults and older people with physical or mental health difficulties in their own homes.
Work on developing the Strategy is ongoing and a consultation process with other Departments is currently taking place. It is hoped that a draft will be completed by the end of March 2012 as a basis for final consultation prior to submission to Government and publication.
