Carers Association in plea to Govt to maintain Towards 2016 commitments
The Carers Association today urged Minister for Social and Family Affairs not to allow the current economic climate to dictate the content of the National Carers Strategy, which is presently being developed by Government.
Speaking at the launch of the group's pre-Budget submission today, CEO Enda Egan said the strategy must be innovative, forward thinking and provide long-term solutions to the everyday problems facing carers in Ireland today.
”The current social partnership agreement, Towards 2016, made a commitment to development of the National Carers Strategy by December 2007," he said.
"This target has not been met but Government has committed to publishing the strategy by the end of 2008. We urge Government to implement this strategy, so vital for family carers, as a matter of urgency.
"While we understand that Government is expected to be cautious in its outlook for the forthcoming Budget, we urge Government to be mindful of the pivotal role that family carers play in providing high levels of care to older people and people with disabilities in the community."
