Written question asked by Iris Robinson (Democratic Unionist Party) on Tuesday, 5 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 14 October 2004. It was answered by Ian Pearson (Labour) on Thursday, 14 October 2004 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many (a) men and (b) women in Northern Ireland over state retirement age are caring for elderly parents or relatives. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mrs. Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many (a) men and (b) women in Northern Ireland over state retirement age are caring for elderly parents or relatives. [190177] Mr. Pearson: The 2001 Census of Population showed that (a) 9,690 men and (b) 18,816 women, who were over state retirement age at the time of the Census, were involved in looking after or giving help or support to family members, friends, neighbours or others because of long-term physical or mental ill-health or disability or problems related to age. It is not possible to identify those who were caring specifically for elderly parents or relatives.

Secondary information