GALWAY CARERS GROUP WELCOMES PUBLICATION OF NATIONAL STRATEGY

Date Published: 20-Jul-2012

A Galway "Caring for Carers" Group has welcomed the publication of Ireland's first National Carers Strategy.

However the group has also called for shorter waiting times in the processing of applications for carers allowance and carers benefit.

The National Strategy entitled "Recognised, Supported, Empowered" was launched by Minister Kathleen Lynch this week.

Over 9 thousand Galway carers are recorded across the city and county according to official 2006 census figures.

Bríd Lynch is the Co-ordinator of Tuam's "Caring for Carers" Branch and also works with branches in the City, Tuam, Athenry, Headford, Ballinasloe, Loughrea and Dunmore.

Speaking to Galway Bay fm news, she says the new strategy recognises the key role of carers but work is now need to speed up the application process for allowance and benefit.