It is imperative that Carers be supported at every possible level of EU legislation, Independent MEP Marian Harkin told the Annual Conference of the Social Platform of European NGOs on Friday 5 November.

Speaking to the Social Platform in Brussels, Marian explained how she continues to lead the fight to ensure Carers' issues are "mainstreamed at all levels of EU politics and policy".

She went on to note that while matters such as payments and allowances made to caregivers or those receiving care is a matter for individual member states, the EU can make significant progress in other matters that impact on Carers' lives.

Currently, the European Commission has issued a Green paper on Pensions, and it is "crucial that the interests of arers are fully included in the European Parliament's response to this important roadmap," said Marian, who is shadowing the report for her group in the Parliament.

She added that "there is evidence of systems that work well in different countries and therefore an exchange of best practice between EU Member States can be a very valuable tool in improving Carers' lives.

"Other matters at EU level which impact on Carers include the movement of healthcare professional across borders, the possibility of using the European Social Fund to provide training for Carers, initiatives to improve health and safety at work for Carers, and the contribution that both formal and informal care makes to the healthcare sector".

Marian concluded that "the core issue is that Carers and their work becomes visible and is supported wherever possible by EU policies".