A voluntary organisation representing 150,000 family carers has published its first national strategy, which it hopes will encourage the Government to formally acknowledge the role of people who care for ill, disabled or elderly relatives at home.
The Carers' Association published its national strategy for carers at an event attended by the Minister for Social and Family Affairs in Dublin this morning.
Towards a Family Carers Strategywas described as a "blueprint" of what the Carers' Association would like to see developed by Government as part of a national strategy for family carers, which it said was "long overdue".
Frank Goodwin, chairman of the organisation said: "The Carers Association has been highlighting the urgent need for the development of a national strategy for many years now and while we acknowledge that some positive actions have been taken by Government, what is missing and what we hope to begin to address with Government is the lack of a coherent strategy to deal with the issues of family carers."
Enda Egan, chief executive of the body said a national strategy would contain "clear development programmes for carers, consultation mechanisms for their input into service delivery, targets for service development and a plan for coordinating support services".
"The strategy would also look at the use of legislation in relation to flexible working arrangements for carers, help create equal opportunities and reduce the risk of them becoming socially disadvantaged."
Mr. Egan acknowledged that while caring for a family member can be a positive and rewarding experience, it could also be a difficult and time-consuming job, placing the carer under physical, mental and emotional stress.
"Family carers are effectively working unpaid in full and part-time employment, saving the State over €2 billion per year. Their role is crucial in keeping people out of residential homes and hospitals by allowing older people and those of all age groups with special needs to be cared for in the home and community. State resources would be placed under incredible pressure if required to provide the level of care supplied by Ireland's 150,000 family carers."
"It is vital the needs of all family carers are recognised and the necessary support structures put in place through the development of an all-inclusive National Strategy. This will contribute to improving the lot of a very vulnerable sector of society, ease pressure on the health service and for minimal investment lead to actual savings in the health budget". The Carers Association can be contacted at 1800 24 07 24.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister for Social Affairs Seamus Brennan gave a commitment that Government benefits and supports for carers will be expanded and increased in forthcoming budgets and initiatives, "as will recognition payments for all those who are providing full time care for those who require it". Mr Brennan said that in 2005 over €250 million will be invested in schemes and initiatives to support and recognise the valued and valuable work of carers.
"Carers make a valued and valuable contribution to Irish society through their dedication and sacrifice. I want that work to be recognised and acknowledged through increased benefits and practical support measures.
"In this regard, a break from caring is one of the greatest needs identified by family carers.
By increasing the Respite Care Grant to €1,000 and significantly expanding it to include thousands more recipients, we are going some of the way towards giving carers a badly needed break and also recognition for their commitment and compassion."