239 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Social Protection the nature of the input which he, his predecessors or his Department have had into the unpublished national carers strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43751/10]

During 2008, an interdepartmental group, chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach, undertook work to develop a National Carers' Strategy. The group met at official level with the secretariat provided by this Department. The Departments of Finance, Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Health and Children, the Health Service Executive (HSE) and FÁS were also represented on the group. The group met on six occasions during 2008 and the expertise of other Departments and Agencies was drawn on as particular issues were being considered. Discussions were also held with colleagues in Northern Ireland. A wide ranging consultation process was also undertaken which included a meeting with the social partners; two meetings with carer representative groups; and a public consultation process. While each of the themes set out in the terms of reference was examined in terms of the current position, because of the prevailing economic situation, it was not possible to agree future 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.