Vol. 466 No. 1
92 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the chronic underfunding of the Carers' Association and the likelihood that this will result in the association being forced to make staff redundant and reduce services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11000/96]
Limerick East): Supporting dependent elderly people at home is a major objective of health policy. As Minister for Health I am very conscious of the contribution made by carers to the maintenance of dependent elderly people in their own homes. In recent years my Department has encouraged health boards to provide support services for the elderly and their carers whether by services in the home such as home help or by way of respite care in a hospital or nursing home.
I am also very supportive of the effort made by the Carers' Association in raising the profile of those within the community who care for people with disabilities, dependent elderly people and those with severe illnesses.
As the Deputy will be aware, responsibility for the respite care grants scheme was transferred to my Department from the Department of Social Welfare in 1995. Last year, £500,000 was allocated to the health boards for the scheme and I understand that the Carers' Association benefited nationally to the tune of £32,500. In 1996 £500,000 has again been allocated to the health boards for respite care and interested organisations are eligible to apply for funding from their local health board.
