Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:153 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when it is intended to publish the carer’s strategy; the reason for the delay in publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28809/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 14 June 2012
Ceisteanna (151)
Freagraí scríofa
The 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.
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.
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.
Work on developing the Strategy is on-going and a consultation process with other Departments took place in early 2012. A draft was completed at the end of March as a basis for final consultations with other Departments and with national organisations representing carers. Carers organisations made formal observations at the end of May. It is hoped that a draft will be completed for submission to Government during the Summer.