A further series of national consultative seminars to determine how the Government can best support families was announced yesterday by Ms Coughlan, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs.
"I am inviting everyone who has an interest - mothers, fathers, children, grandparents, support, professional and representative groups - to come along, feed your input into the process and help to inform and develop future family policy.
"There are ever-increasing pressures on families, and a number of themes emerged during the first forum meeting. These included problems relating to relationships, economic pressures on families, childcare, the care of elderly family members and a range of other topics," the Minister said.
"These national consultations will be an opportunity for family members, and those who work with them, to express the concerns and themes which influence family life today.
"Earlier this year I announced a series of five nationwide consultative family fora to take the pulse of the nation on how best the Government can support families. The first was held in Donegal with great success on May 1st. I can now announce four further fora which I will be attending to hear families' concerns at first hand."