Publishing of National Carers Strategy a good start
Press Release from Andrew Doyle TD
Andrew Doyle TD for Wicklow/East Carlow has welcomed the launch today of the Governments’s National Carers Strategy by Minister Kathleen Lynch and says this signifies a key commitment by Government to provide a strategic direction for future services and supports for carers in recognition of the role in maintaining children, adults and older people with physical or mental disabilities in their own homes.
“Census 2011 revealed an increase in the number of carers since 2006 as well as the hours spent caring, with 187,112 people or 4.1% of Ireland’s population now performing a caring role. A recent survey shows that most carers have been looking after a loved one for an average of 8 years, provide care for over 100 hours per week and feel their health has suffered as a result of caring.
“I do think that awareness of the work and the role of carers has increased over the last number of years but many challenges remain in terms of catering and planning for carers who encounter issues whether it be upon entering a caring role, while fulfilling a carers role and for re-entering the workforce when their caring role has ended.
“The current strategy which aims to provide healthcare services as much as possible within local communities through Primary Care Centres makes sense and should complement the work of Carers in our community. Regulation of the home care service is becoming more important in this regard as well as the need to provide Carers Assessments allowing for provide more support and advice to carers as well as contingency plans if they are ill or unable to provide care.
“By publishing this National Carers Strategy, I welcome the fact that this Government has recognised the important role of Carers in our society today. I am confident that the relevant associations who work on behalf Carers will see this as a positive step. The establishment of a set of principles, goals and objectives as well as a road map to implementation is a good starting point and will provide the basis on which to further develop the structures and supports needed by those who work as Carers.
“I look forward to working with the relevant Ministers to ensure the prompt roll-out of this Strategy and to highlighting the issues that matter to carers in this regard.”
20/07/2012
Category: Andrew Doyle TD
