I’m delighted to welcome you all here to the Italian Room at Government Buildings if only now we could have some Italian weather!
I must say that I feel privileged to be launching the National Carers’ Strategy
As you know, this Strategy is a key social-policy commitment in our Programme for Government.
Quite simply the Government is absolutely clear that it’s time for Ireland to formally acknowledge and care for our carers. All over Ireland, these quiet, private acts of love make a huge impact on our society and therefore deserve public protection and recognition.
And indeed it is that inestimable element of love in our carer’s extraordinary work that sees them go the extra mile every time even when these men, women and often children are at the limits of their coping.
Every day they live the lines ‘I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep.’
We make a vital start in recognising the role our carers play with the publication of this strategy here today.
You will remember that when I met with the Carers’ Association last September, I set out my firm view that, notwithstanding Ireland’s economic position, a strategy could and should be developed that set out principles and priorities about what was to be implemented.
Less than a year on, we’re launching the strategy today.
Minister of State Kathleen Lynch agreed to take on this work showing her commitment to carers both personally and politically.
I would also like to acknowledge the work of the staff in the Office of Older People for their hard work in today’s publication.
I believe it’s important that this strategy focuses on carers as partners in care-giving. It recognises the commitment, the competence and indeed the authority of our carers in the care they give to loved ones.
Yes - the Strategy is not everything we want. We’ll be reviewing and updating the actions contained in the Strategy as our economic position improves.
I would like to pay tribute to the ongoing work of organisations representing the interests of carers and providing valuable support and guidance to them. Some of them are here today and I want to acknowledge their contribution to the finalisation of the Strategy.
You know that it is a key objective of Government policy for our older people and for children and adults living with an illness or a disability that they can really live that they can keep their dignity and their independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. Home community make us who we are. And everyone everyone is entitled to that sense of home that sense of comfort with their own people in their own place.
Home-based care by family members is the preference of the vast majority of people. And that care is not just the exhausting mechanics of washing feeding dressing exercise it’s the cups of tea the news brought home from work or school by children or grandchildren it’s the songs sung the shared life recorded remembered.
Family carers are the backbone of care provision in this country. Most of us will be carers - or cared for - at some point in our lives. And it is the family carer who will continue to play a key role in supporting family members to live independent lives. This Strategy recognises that they need better information, they need better and more consistent supports and above all they need an involvement in decision- making around the care of their loved ones.
The Government’s intention and vision for carers is spelled out clearly in the title of this Strategy. We want carers to feel recognised, supported and empowered.
All Government Departments and agencies that deal with carers, in any of their functions, must now take their lead from this Strategy and use it to inform their planning and policies in the future.
The publication of the National Carers’ Strategy places carers firmly on the national agenda.
It is an important step forward for carers and carer groups and it is important for us all to build on the opportunities that the publication of this Strategy presents – particularly in future policy planning, health care planning and provision, identification of carers and young carers. This is part of a move to building a more compassionate, responsible society.
It is important that we start to implement the Strategy immediately and I will be monitoring progress myself as I chair the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy.
I will pass over to the Tánaiste now, before Minister Lynch formally launches the document. Thank you.