asked the Minister for Health when the wage of 60 pence per hour was fixed for social workers who are employed as home helps by the health boards; and if he is satisfied that this is a fair wage for those employees.
Written Answers. - Health Board Social Workers' Pay
326.
There is not a standard hourly rate paid by health boards in respect of persons performing home help duties. Frequently the payments are expressed as a contribution in respect of home help services performed by such persons and in some areas this works out as low as 60p per hour.
As regards the adequacy or otherwise of these payments, it is relevant to note the voluntary element in the giving of the service and the fact that the funds available to health boards for it are limited. A review of the home help service is being undertaken by my Department in consultation with health boards at present and the question of the remuneration for persons providing the service will be considered in the context of this review.