As the European Year of Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations 2012 launches across the EU, Marian will strive to play a central role to ensure that the vital importance of Carers is recognised and reflected in all relevant national and European legislation.
 
Marian, who chairs the European Parliament's Carers Interest Group, believes the European Year of Active Ageing 2012 will provide a brilliant opportunity to highlight the vital role Carers must and will play in Europe as the population continues to age. The European Commission has declared that its aims for this year are to make sure older adults keep playing an active role in society and live as healthy and fulfilling lives as possible. As such, it is vital that policymakers acknowledge the crucial role of Carers in achieving these goals, and accordingly provide explicit supports for them in all appropriate legislation.
 
Marian will work closely with the Irish Carers Association and Caring for Carers to influence both Dublin and Brussels policymakers in these important matters over the course of 2012..
 
For more on the European Year of Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations 2012, see:
 
• European Commission: European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations 2012 homepage
• European Parliament page on 2012: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/pressroom/content/20110314IPR15479/html/2012-European-Year-for-Active-Ageing-%E2%80%A6-and-Solidarity-between-Generations
• Age Platform Europe: http://www.age-platform.eu/en/age-policy-work/solidarity-between-generations/lastest-news/1231-2012-european-year-on-active-ageing-and-intergenerational-solidarityl