A group representing the State's 100,000 carers is today holding the first of a series of consultations on family caring in Ireland.
The Carers' Association, in partnership with Caring for Carers Ireland and Carers' Alliance Ireland, opened the consultation forum in Dublin.
"While we welcome Government's commitment to a National Carers' Strategy, it is essential this is developed in consultation with family carers and other interested parties," said Enda Egan, CEO of the Carers' Association.
"To fully inform the progression of this strategy, we are holding eight consultation forums around the country to present our findings to Government on the needs of family carers, their issues and their solutions for much-needed support and services."
The forums are open to all family carers, those they care for, and any other interested groups within the voluntary and health sector.
The findings will be submitted to Government as part of the development of the National Carers Strategy, promised under the social partnership agreement Towards 2016.