Vol. 473 No. 4
154 Mr. E. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if he will have investigations made into a case (details supplied) in County Cork where home help has been withdrawn from an old age pensioner who is living alone and who is an extuberculosis patient; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this pensioner is in need of the home help service; if he will have arrangements made to have the service restored; and his policy, if any, on home help. [1196/97]
Limerick East): Section 61 of the Health Act, 1970 enables health boards to make arrangements to assist in the maintenance at home of persons who, but for the provisions of such a service would require to be maintained otherwise than at home. This section empowers, without obliging, health boards to provide support services such as home help, laundry and meals.
As the Deputy may be aware, I have decided to have an examination of all aspects of the home help service carried out by an independent body which will advise on measures to ensure the equity and high quality of service in respect of providers and recipients. I am pleased to say that my Department is examining tenders for this review and it is expected that the review should be completed within three to four months.
I am having the case raised by the Deputy investigated and I have asked the Southern Health Board to respond directly to him with the findings.
