180 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has had direct or indirect input into the unpublished national carers strategy; the nature of that input if applicable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43750/10]

During 2008, an interdepartmental group, chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach, with secretariat support provided by the Department of Social Protection, undertook work, including a public consultation process, to develop a National Carers' Strategy. My Department was represented and participated appropriately on that group. However, as the Deputy is aware, because of the prevailing economic situation, it was not possible to set targets or time limits which could be achieved. In that context, rather than publishing a document which did not include any significant plans for the future, the Government decided not to publish a strategy. This position remains unchanged.