The Government’s decision this week not to publish the long promised National Carer's Strategy is a serious setback for the 160,000 family carers currently caring for a loved one.

Many of those being cared for, as well as a large minority of carers, are older people. “With an ageing population, and factors which are expected to result in a falling number of people willing to be carers, the strategy is essential if we are to plan for the future,” Age Action spokesman Eamon Timmins said.

“Family carers are an important part of the support structure to enable older people remain living in their own homes, rather than having to go into a residential home. The needs of carers need to be addressed, considering the level of care they provide and the huge savings they provide for the state.”

It is accepted that the current economic crisis may make it difficult to implement some recommendations which carers sought. However, it is not a sound reason for not proceeding with a national strategy.

“In the current economic climate, it may not be possible to proceed with some of the pay elements in the strategy, but there are non-pay elements which could be introduced as evidence that the Government recognises and values the contribution which carers are making,” Mr Timmins said. “Publication of the strategy would provide a road map for everyone working in this sector, and show that the Government is planning for future needs.”

“By abandoning its strategic plan, the Government is merely putting these important issues on the long finger,” he added. “Surely it is in the national interest to plan strategically for the changing needs of its citizens, rather than wait until these changing demographics result in an a major social and health crisis.”

Publication of the Carer’s Strategy by the end of 2007 is part of the current social partnership agreement Towards 2016. “As members of Social Partnership, Age Action does not accept that this key commitment can just be dropped,” Mr Timmins said.